Kwo chiefdom: Fidelis Attahiru wins Long Kwo stool

Attahiru, who contested alongside 16 other princes on Thursday last week for the historic traditional title, was selected by the kingmakers of the chiefdom

Miskoom Fidelis Sarki Attahiru has been declared the winner of the Long Kwo stool of Kwo chiefdom, Qur’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Attahiru, who contested alongside 16 other princes on Thursday last week for the historic traditional title, was selected by the kingmakers of the chiefdom.

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Sylvanus Tapgun, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, announced the approval of the nomination, adding that government and the people of the state had congratulated and wished the new traditional ruler success.

The new monarch assured the people that he would carry all princes of the chiefdom along in his quest to unite the people and develop the area.

Attahiru, who described the contest as a brotherly affair, enjoined all citizens of the chiefdom to support all efforts geared toward the unity and progress of the area.

Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, one of the contestants, while congratulating the new traditional ruler, prayed the Almighty Allah to grant him wisdom to embrace and carry the chiefdom to a greater height.

Benue/Plateau Trust reports that since the demise of the last king, Miskoom Hoomkwap Sule II 33 years ago, the Long Kwo stool had remained vacant due to leadership tussle and infighting among the ruling families.

However, hope rose for the people of the chiefdom as Governor Simon Lalong  recently  directed that all vacant traditional stools in the state be filled.

Speaking at the presentation of the testimonial to the new Long Kwo, the commissioner  said he was happy that the selection process went smoothly and called on the new monarch to be magnanimous by carrying along all those who contested with him in the administration of the chiefdom.

Responding,  Miskoom Attahiru 1 commended Governor Lalong for making it possible for this day to become a reality.

He also promised to build bridges of reconciliation and friendship with  neighbouring communities to ensure harmonious coexistence.

He added that he would uphold trust and the mandate entrusted in him by the people, adding that he would carry along the 18 princes who contested for the stool with him in the day-to-day running of the chiefdom.

Miskoom Attahiru 1 was born on March 1, 1953 in Kwande, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

After his early academic pursuit he was recruited into the Nigerian Army and later retired as a colonel.

Miskoom Attahiru 1 is married with seven children.