‘New Tor Tiv will be sworn in with Bible’
General Atom Kpera (retired) is the Chairman Central Planning Committee for the coronation of Tor Tiv the fifth holding today in Gboko. He speaks about the planning of the expected historic event and other issues.
Daily Trust: How much is the state government spending on the coronation? General Atom Kpera: If you don’t mind, let me answer that question after the event. When we would have put our accounts in shape, then I can say how much we expended. DT: Will the Tor Tiv take his oath by the Bible or Swem?
Kpera: During our discussion the other day, we noticed that all the Tor Tivs were Christians. The first Tor Tiv, I don’t know very well because I was young. The second and third, that is Gondo Aluor and Akperan Orshi were both sworn
in by the Bible. Tor Tiv the fourth, Akawe Torkula, swore by the ‘Swem’, but thereafter he practiced Christianity throughout. The Tor Tiv the fifth will be sworn in by the Bible.
DT: Are there going to be viewing centres since the stadium may not accommodate everyone?
Kpera: We have not really considered it in our budget but there are growing concerns about that and so we will take a look at it. I’m sure many people will come in from the local governments and may not have access; so there should be places where they can stay and know what is going on. We are giving that very serious consideration but funding may be the problem. If we can erect viewing centres around Gboko and even beyond, it will ease a lot of pressure on the venue. DT: Will there be a restriction so the area will not be crowded?
Kpera: Yes, there will be restrictions. If the Acting President is coming, then there will be restriction of movement around that arena. The security people have already selected the parking lots -Bristow Secondary School. There will be bus shuttles. And that is the only way to control the crowd.
DT: How is the committee handling the case of Tivs in the Diaspora who may want to take part in the celebration?
Kpera: I will give a short answer then pass it over to the President of the Mdzough u Tiv. Incidentally, it may interest you to know that these people are all represented on this committee. They are all here - Taraba, Nasarawa, everybody, they are all represented, MUTA is represented, MUT, UK is represented. Whether they are coming or not, the President of Mdzough u Tiv will tell us. Last
time, we had the MUT, Australia around. DT: Is the palace now well fixed for the new Tor Tiv?
Kpera: The actual palace is being renovated and it can’t be ready by Saturday (today). The governor told me that he is trying to see that the temporary residence of the Tor Tiv - his own residence in Makurdi, is ready before that day because after the coronation, people will go to pay homage. So, the governor is laying emphasis on finishing that place. Actually, the abode of the Tor Tiv is not within this committee’s mandate.
DT: Did your committee rely on the state government for the funding of this ceremony or were Tiv sons and daughters taxed? Kpera: No Tiv son or daughter was taxed. But we are encouraging Tiv sons and daughters and indeed non-Tivs, friends of Tivs to make contributions. The governor of Borno State has sent 100 cows, and these are the type of things we are talking about. The Benue State government is not particularly rich. So any contribution from any person is most welcome.