By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Gwer-east/Gwer-West which make up the Gwer Chiefdom of Tiv Traditional Council in Benue State has constituted its Elders Forum.
The constitution of the forum which followed a resolution at the inaugural combined meeting of the APC from the two local government which makes up the Gwer intermediate area on Monday at Benysta Hotel Aliade, with one voice and spirit resolved to protect the integrity, dignity and rightful place of GWER intermediate bloc within the Political space of Tiv land, Benue State and Nigeria at large.
A joint statement signed by Hon. Sir, John Akange KSJI. APC Chairman Gwer-East and Hon. Terngu Anagbe (JP)
APC Chairman Gwer-west made available to THE AUTHORITY NEWS said, the meeting which was convened to propagate better recognition of the bloc was attended by distinguished sons and daughters of Gwer Intermediate Area.
The statement said the Gwer APC forum noted with deep concerns, the current position of marginalization, ridicule and neglect of the Gwer block and resolved in a communique the establishment of the Gwer APC Elders Forum.
The statement said, “we wish to make it abundantly clear that Gwer is an intermediate bloc, born of Gwer-East and Gwer-West Local Government Areas, and must never again be derisively misrepresented, or bulked under the shadow of a defunct association called MINDA”.
“Just as traditional rulers are recognized distinctly, just as benefits and political appointments are equitably shared, so must Gwer Bloc be recognized and consulted as GWER, and not MINDA”, the statement added.
The Forum frowned at the continued derogative recognition of the esteemed people of GWER Chiefdom as MINDA even as there exist strong and enough legislations establishing the Chiefdom.
The Forum in council pointed out to all Traditional blocs in Tiv land with the authority of unity and the strength of truth that “enough is enough. We are Gwer, not MINDA”.
Henceforth, the Forum noted, political consultations in Tiv land shall reckon with Gwer as a bloc of its own and no Gwer leader shall parade or reduce the bloc at any fora as MINDA politician, woman or man.
An Executive Council was appointed for the Forum with a the mandate to serve for four years, adding that the mandate shall be renewable on merit and rotation. The Council included: ACG Peter Pevigo (Rtd), President; Hon. Julius Ukpanya, Vice President; Dr. Emmanuel Shima, Secretary; Hon. Christopher Tyoakaa, Treasurer.
Other officials include: Hon. Emmanuel Igbahena, Organizing Secretary; Mrs. Chewe Esther Erdoo, Provost; Dr. Francis Ayagah, Legal Advisor; Hon. Mrs Margaret Iyorember, Assistant Organizing Secretary; Hon. Anumbe Tarnongo, Financial Secretary:
Hon. Joseph Akaabee, Assistant Secretary; Sir Alfred Buul Shiva KSJI, Public Relations Officer (PRO): while
Hon. Uchinge S. Yagba CSP (Rtd) is to serve as Auditor.
The meeting was convened by the two Local Government APC Chairmen of Gwer East, Hon. John Akange KSJI and Gwer West, Hon. Terngu Anagbe JP. Eminent sons and daughters of Gwer East/Gwer West including Hon. Elias Terumbur Audu Member representing Gwer East LGA in the Benue State House of Assembly were in attendance.
