By Julius Peter, Abuja
Chief Tsekusu Richard has described the coronation of Zaki Clement Terwase Gboko as the Tyoor/Wakili Tiv of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State as a significant development that would provide leadership, unity and direction for Tiv people residing in the area.
Tsekusu stated this shortly after the coronation of Gboko by the Esu of Karu, His Royal Highness, Pharm. Luka Panya Baba Esu, saying the Tiv community in Karu had for some time operated without a recognised leader to provide direction and coordinate the affairs of the people.
He expressed gratitude for the emergence of the new Wakili Tiv, noting that the development had given the Tiv community renewed hope and a sense of direction.
“We are very grateful for the Tiv people living in Karu. We have been living without a leader, like a ship without a shepherd. We have been moving without direction, but today we have a leader and we have direction now,” he said.
According to him, the emergence of Gboko would provide an opportunity for Tiv sons and daughters in Karu to come together, resolve their differences and work collectively for the progress of their community.
Tsekusu congratulated the new Wakili Tiv and wished him success in his new position, praying that he would be able to achieve the plans and aspirations he has for the Tiv people in Karu.
He also called on members of the community to support the new traditional title holder and give him the necessary cooperation to succeed in his responsibilities.
In his remarks, the newly crowned Tyoor/Wakili Tiv of Karu, Zaki Clement Terwase Gboko, expressed appreciation to the Esu of Karu for the honour and confidence reposed in him.
Gboko prayed God to continue to bless, guide and protect the Esu of Karu, while promising to use his new position to promote peace, unity and harmonious coexistence among Tiv people living in Karu.
He said his emergence was not merely an honour but a responsibility to serve the people and contribute to the development of the Tiv community.
The new Wakili Tiv appealed to all those who contested the position with him to put the contest behind them and join hands with him in serving the people.
He called for cooperation among all stakeholders, stressing that the development and progress of the Tiv community required collective effort and unity.
Gboko pledged to remain accessible to members of the community and to work toward addressing issues that affect their welfare and peaceful coexistence.
The Esu of Karu, His Royal Highness, Pharm. Luka Panya Baba Esu, charged the newly installed Wakili Tiv to use his position responsibly and in the interest of the people.
The traditional ruler also urged Tiv people living in Karu to love one another, live peacefully and remain law-abiding citizens.
He emphasised the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence, urging the community to avoid actions capable of creating division or undermining the peace of the area.
The Esu further encouraged the new Wakili Tiv to see his position as an opportunity to serve and unite his people, rather than simply as a traditional title.
He expressed confidence that the new Wakili would contribute positively to the welfare and development of the Tiv community in Karu.
The coronation ceremony attracted traditional title holders, community stakeholders, friends, well-wishers and other dignitaries, who gathered to witness the installation of the new Tyoor/Wakili Tiv of Karu.
The event ended with renewed appeals for unity, peace, cooperation and collective responsibility among Tiv people in Karu, as stakeholders expressed optimism that the new traditional leadership would strengthen the community and provide a platform for addressing issues affecting its members.
