Group cautions against maligning Tor Tiv

A socio-cultural umbrella body of the Tiv people, Mdzough u Tiv, has said that the reputation of the paramount traditional ruler of the Tiv , Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, built over the years cannot be dented.

President General of the body, Engr. Edward Ujege and his Secretary-General, Dr. Boniface Ukende in an open letter addressed to the Minister of Special Duties and

Inter Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, insisted that he should appear before the Tiv Traditional Council for allegedly dragging the Tor Tiv’s name in the mud.

“We specifically wish to state that our paramount ruler’s reputation and distinguished record are beyond any attempt at character assassination.

“Mdzough U Tiv has sadly taken note of the allegation of spiteful comments credited to you, Senator George Akume, the Honorable Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs against our revered paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, the Tor Tiv.

“Mdzough U Tiv joins other well-meaning Tiv sons and daughters and our good friends to unequivocally condemn such utterances. Such comments are sacrilegious and injurious to the respect of Tor Tiv stool, the Tiv Traditional Council and the entire Tiv nation,” the letter stated in part.

The group, therefore, reechoed the stand of the Tiv Traditional Council that Akume should urgently appear before it to clear his name and resolve the issues for the overall benefit of the Tiv nation.

The body further called on Akume to always use his position to advance the cause of Tiv unity, progress and tradition, without preconditions.