The Tiv Community of Ibi local government area in Taraba, on Saturday, crowned, Zaki, Japhet Iorapuur Mkar, as first substantive traditional head of the area, (Ter Tiv Ibi).
The Nigerian Tribune reports that the exercise followed the emergence of Zaki Japhet Mkar after defeating Zaki Akenawe Saameakpe in an open ballot contest.
Tribune also reports that, after much deliberation, both elders of Ichongu and Ipusu clans unanimously agreed that the stool be zone to the Ichongu, which has four sub-clans, Nonguv, Ihyarev, Ugondu and Turan.
Correspondent reports that after the zoning, the Nonguv, Ihyarev Ugondu, and the Turan clans of Ichongu, agreed to conduct an open ballot election where (8) eight kingmakers voted.
After the election, Zaki Japhet Mkar scored 6 votes to defeat Zaki Akenawe who got two votes.
Speaking after the exercise in Ibi, the kingmakers told our correspondent that their decision to queue behind Zaki Mkar of Ugondu clan over Zaki Akenawe of Nonguv was to ensure fairness in the sharing formula of Ichongu and maintain the spirit of (Ya Na Wangbian), for a continuous brotherly spirit, considering the fact that the Nonguv clan are currently occupying the position of both elected councilor representing the area and chairman Tiv culture of the local government.
They call on all Tiv people in the area to support Zaki Mkar to attract peace and development, not only to the Tiv community but the entire Ibi local government.
Responding to the development, Zaki Japhet Iorapuur Mkar, described his victory as the will of God, saying that the elevation was a moral burster to redouble his efforts to attract development among the Tiv Community in the local government.
“I wish to sincerely commend the entire Tiv Community of Ibi local government for having the confidence in me to serve. I will do all within my power to ensure that the desire everlasting unity among the Tiv and other ethnic in the local government for development is actualize.
“I wish to commend the chairman Ibi local government, Hon. Iliya Muhammad Ajibu for providing an enabling environment for the exercise, and his continue strive for the development of Ibi local government”. Zaki Mkar reacted.
Correspondent reports that Zaki Japhet Mkar has been in the acting position of the stool before his elevation as substantive (Ter Tiv Ibi).
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