On the legacies of the late Tor Tiv

Now that Tor Tiv the IV, Orchivirigh Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, has embarked on a long journey with his ancestors, a vacuum has been created which is required to be filled by a successor. While modalities for his successor are being put in place by the Tiv Traditional Council, it is pertinent to remember that […]

Now that Tor Tiv the IV, Orchivirigh Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, has embarked on a long journey with his ancestors, a vacuum has been created which is required to be filled by a successor. While modalities for his successor are being put in place by the Tiv Traditional Council, it is pertinent to remember that the deceased ascended the stool after a keen contest involving other contestants. Of course, his emergence was based on the principle of “ya na angbian”, a rotational power sharing policy among the five brotherly blocs of the Tiv nation namely Jechira, Sankera, Jemgbagh, MINDA and Kwande.
There is no doubt that many challenges await anyone that will emerge the fifth paramount ruler of the Tiv nation and chairman, Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers. This is so because Dr. Akawe Torkula took the stool to an enviable level such that the kingship itself has been transformed from local ruler ship to a more dynamic position with an aura of influence for peace building and enhancement of the socio-economic wellbeing of the Tiv people.  The traditional headquarters of the Tiv nation is Gboko, where the Tor Tiv rules over millions of Tiv people constituting the fourth largest ethnic group in the country predominantly found in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, just as there are others in virtually all states of the federation and beyond.
Throughout his 24 year reign, Dr. Akawe Torkula led the people to an era of harmonious coexistence among themselves and other nationalities. Even when some ethnic groups rose against the Tiv nation, the traditional ruler prevailed on his subjects to sheath their sword in his firm belief in peaceful coexistence. It must be noted that the Tiv are patient, honest and hardworking people who overtime, align with the government at the centre even though some analysts have posited that what has always come to them is not commensurate with their support to the government at the centre. According to them, since the return to democracy in 1999, no Tiv man has occupied the top six offices in the country. Currently, no Tiv person is among the 36 ministers, neither is one among the array of Permanent Secretaries.
In the face of this perceived marginalization, there has not been any agitation from the people. These patriotic qualities have been inculcated into the people by the traditional ruler who believed the unity of the nation superseded any other consideration. It is common place in the country to see paramount rulers relocate to Abuja, the seat of federal government to engage in partisan politics for handouts, leaving their subjects without traditional guidance.
This was what Dr. Akawe Tokula of blessed memory detested.  He introduced second class chiefs known as “Uter”, and third class chiefs called “Mue-Ter” as well as honorific chieftaincy tittles and appointment of prominent sons and daughters as advisers known as “Ati-a-Tor” to assist him rule the people. Indeed, he brought his vast educational acumen and high experience as a career civil servant which culminated to his positions as permanent secretary and commissioner for various ministries, to bear on the throne.
The “Begha-u-Tiv”, Dr Akawe Torkula, was a charismatic traditional ruler whose firm belief in the public good was outstanding such that he stood by his decisions not minding the consequences. This is a show of sincerity that is lacking in many public office holders today. Although, by his firm beliefs, some observers may be tempted to think that the paramount ruler was partisan yet some say he took sides for the interest of his people.
Now that his absence has created a vacuum which needs to be filled by a successor, it behooves on the Tiv people, especially the traditional king makers to screen and eventually select a non-partisan, educated, humane and dynamic individual as the next Tor Tiv. Politicians must realize that the selection of the Tor Tiv is not their affair but entirely that of the representatives of the various Tiv power blocs, the king makers whom as surrogates of the custodian of culture and tradition of the people, are not just equal to the task but willing, able and ready to it. Herculean as the task may appear in view of the sterling qualities of Dr. Akawe Torkula, the king makers must not waver nor shirk in their duty. They must be firm and decisive in their selection process.
Tersoo Zamber writes in from Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Abuja. 08030435706