From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
As preparations for the 2023 general elections gathers momentum across the country, the Tiv Cultural and Social Association in Taraba state has urged the electorates to eschew bitterness and to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) so as to make clear statements at the polls rather than indulging in unhealthy rivalry.
Mr Joshua Ayagwa, the President General of the Association made the call in Bali local government area of Taraba state during the Tiv Day celebration and conferment of titles.
Ayagwa, insists that with the new electoral law in place, elections will no longer be business as usual and the only way the people can make their choices of who leads them is by collecting their PVCs, avoiding unnecessary rancour that could disrupt the process and actually going out to vote and secure their votes.
He urged politicians to play the game by the rules and avoid fanning the ambers of violence as they can only govern when their are people to be governed.
The Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Col. Agbu Kefas who was represented by the elder statesman, Elder Teghtegh Shaakaa, called on the Tiv people to shealth their sword, obtain their PVCs and join hands with the PDP to mend the broken walls so as to restore the unity that keeps the people of the state together.
He challenged the Tiv Community to return to the old ways which they were known, and to always seek the face of God in all their dealings in order to avert some of the calamities that the Tiv nation is passing through.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bali Local Government Council, Mr. Micah Dakka, who commended the Tiv community for their unity urged them to collect their PVCs to enable them vote massively for PDP candidates in the forth coming elections.
The chairman who pledged to continue to cherish the tradition and cultural heritage of the Tiv people, also advised people of the area to continue to be security conscious and always liase with security agencies to fish out unscrupulous elements who aim at disrupting the peaceful coexistence of the people.
“As the 2023 election is fast approaching, I want to believe that the entire Tiv people are part and parcel of this administration. I am therefore calling on you to ensure that you collect your PVCs and play your politics without rancor, hatred or bitterness.
“I also want to use this opportunity to extend our gratitude and total loyalty to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Arc Darius Dickson Ishaku for the opportunity he has given us to serve the good people of Bali Local Government Area”. He added.
In his welcome address, the chair man, Bali Branch of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Mr. Mathew Baki, challenged voters who ignorantly refused to go out and follow electoral process on account that their votes would not count, to turn over a new leaf as the new electoral act has taken charge of such issues.
The chairman who congratulated the illustrious sons and daughters listed out for conferment of traditional titles, encouraged them to make good use of the honour done them so as to keep the Tiv Day Celebration a sustained culture.
The Tiv Day, an annual event is a retreat aimed at showcasing the traditional and rich cultural heritage, as well as celebrating the progress that the Tiv people of Bali Local Government have made in their livelihood.