Politics
Takum: Dont Invite Anarchy: Kuteb Elders Warn Gov. Agbu’s Over plans to rotate Ukwe Stool
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By: Uhuru Samuel Adaji Jalingo
A group of Kuteb elders from Takum local government area of Taraba State have accused the State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas of deliberately inviting anarchy to the area following his plan to rob the Kuteb tribe of the stool of Ukwe Takum.
The spokesman of the group, Joshua Rimamsikwe during a briefing with journalists in Jalingo on Wednesday said that the plan by the governor to dismantle the ancestral stool of Ukwe Takum to create three third class tribal Chiefs in Takum was not only an invitation to crisis but an agenda to wipe out the Kuteb race from the surface of the earth.
He added that the Kuteb race who have been the sole occupants of the stool of Ukwe Takum also rejects the planned agenda of the Governor to rob the Kuteb of their ancestral first class stool of Ukwe Takum and give it to the Chamba tribe or any other tribe under the guise of introducing a rotational system for a stool that had been occupied by the Kuteb since time immemorial.
“The Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas is only implementing the age long agenda of his godfather, General T. Y Danjuma whose plan has been to rob the Kuteb tribe of the stool of Ukwe Takum and transfer same to the Chamba, Danjuna’s tribe who have never occupied the stool since its creation in 1914.
“Before Governor
Kefas should make the seat of Ukwe Takum rotational among Chamba, Kuteb and Kpanzon, he should first start with the seat of Aku Uka of Wukari and rotate the stool between, Wapang, Tiv and Hausas being the dominant tribes in Wukari.
“I want to place on record that before the creation of Taraba State in 1991, there existed three main traditional institutions in what is today known as Southern Taraba. These include, Aku Aku of Wukari first class headed by a Wapang as paramount ruler, Gara Donga, in Donga, Second Class headed by a Chamba as paramount ruler while there is Ukwe Takum also second class headed by a Kuteb tribe as paramount ruler, before the stools of Ukwe Takum and Gara Donga were elevated to first class by the former Governor Jolly Nyame administration in 2005, so why is it only the stool of Ukwe Takum that should be made rotational amongst major tribes in Takum”?, they emphatically asked.
National Trail correspondent in Taraba, gathered that despite the looming tension in Takum local government area in Taraba State over the 28 years disputed stool of Ukwe Takum, the State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas appears to be bent on going ahead with plans to install a none Kuteb tribe to take over the stool of Ukwe Takum and damned whatever the consequences might be.
Governor Agbu had earlier informed the king makers of the Ukwe Takum ruling houses, Likam and Akenten at a meeting of his intention to appoint 3 third class chiefs in Takum, one each for three tribes in same Takum town for Kuteb, Kpanzon and Chamba. He also plans to maintain a 1st class King which will be rotated between the same three tribes. Meaming there will be four chiefs of different tribes in the same town.
Understandably, the two ruling hauses opposed the Governor’s decicion which they say was alien to the traditional stool which, according to them, was a sole inheritance of the Kuteb tribe who have been occupying the stool since 1914.
Apart from his meeting with the kingmakers and Kuteb elders, Governor Agbu again held another meeting with Kuteb youths at the government house Jalingo on February 4 where he equally briefed them of his plan to dismantle the stool of Ukwe Takum.
It was gathered that Governor Agbu emphatically told the Kuteb youths that he will go ahead with his plan and that the only option left for the Kutebs is for them to go to court.
The Governor allegedly warned the Kuteb youths that any attempt for them to forment any trouble in the area would be met with decisive military action.
While the Youth, mostly humbled by the presence of the governor, rose without a definite protest, our Correspondent gathered that they rose from the meeting with a sealed resolve to lay down their lives to protect their heritage.
The stool of Ukwe Takum is the First Class Chief of Kuteb people and has been their exclusive preserve. The Three dominant tribes of Kpnazo (Jukun), Chamba and Kuteb in Southern Taraba, occupy the stools of Aku Uka, Gara Donga and Ukwe Takum respectively and that has been the seamless arrangement over the years.
However, upon the death of the last Ukwe Takum nearly Three decades ago, there has been succession issues that led to the death of several persons and have left the stool vacant. Successive governments in the State mostly chose to keep mute about the embattled throne.
The agitations to install a Chamba person to the throne became heightened when a Jukun man Darius Ishaku emerged as the state Governor in 2015.
Despite all his efforts, the Kuteb Yatso, the umbrella body of the Kuteb people stood firm to resist all the attempts, saying time and again that the installation of a different person to the stool will mean the destruction of their heritage and they will rather die than have it.
Eventually, Governor Ishaku could not succeed. According to the Kuteb Yatso, the problem is with the former Minister of Defence General TY Danjuma, a Chamba man from Takum, who feels that someone from a different tribe should not be his king, considering his enormous achievements in Nigeria, development he brought to the area and his accomplishments in society.
Consequently, Governor Kefas, who is the General’s political godson is determined to grant his principal his lifelong wish at any cost, even if it means inciting crisis in the area.
But the Kuteb would not have it. Baba Jauro, an elder statesman from Kuteb in his agitation said that “the governor wants to bastardise the stool of Ukwe Takum into 3 chiefs. That has never happened anywhere in the world, even within southern Taraba stools of Wukari and Donga. Why Takum only? It will then mean that the history and the root of Kuteb as a nation is destroyed.
“He wants the Kpanzon and Chamba tribes to gain 3rd class Chiefs each and eventually a 1st class while Kuteb will lose its 1st Class Chief to 3rd class and may never recover it again. If Governor Kefas thinks this a good thing let him make law and apply same to the whole Taraba Chiefdoms where there are more than one tribe.
“If we are really three brothers in Takum, why should he bastardise Ukwe Takum Stool in favour of Jukun & Chamba who are fully engaged at Wukari and Donga? Kefas should fear God and not man. We categorically state that he who wants the stool bastardised and shared lacks the honour and wisdom of King Solomon and the two women in the Bible.
“For us, if it means the last battle that we would fight, then so be it. But we would never live to see our whole tradition and heritage bastardised and handed over to someone as a mere souvenir. Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi has more investment in the State than any other individual. He has employed more persons from Taraba than any other person. You can quote me anywhere. But I don’t hear him asking for traditional stools all over the place as compensation” he said.
The elder stateman appealed to Governor Agbu to respect the decision of Kuteb kingmakers who have already selected Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu as the crown Prince to succeed Late, Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Ahmadu who died in 1996.
Our correspondent however gathered that the Kuteb elites in Abuja have already petitioned President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the national security adviser to hold Governor Agbu Kefas responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order in Takum local government area of Taraba State.
All efforts by our correspondent to get the reaction of the Special Assistant to the Governor on media, Hon. Emmanuel Bello proved abortive as he declined to comment on the matter.
Politics
Eggon Political Forum Endorses Ombugadu as Consensus Candidate for 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Race
In what many observers are describing as a watershed moment in the political history of Nasarawa State, the Eggon Political Forum has officially endorsed Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the consensus candidate of the Eggon Nation for the 2027 governorship election.The announcement was made at a grand assembly held at Albert Event Hall in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, where leaders, stakeholders, and representatives of diverse groups gathered to deliberate on the future of Eggon political aspirations. The Forum, a non-partisan body devoted to fostering unity and political stability among the Eggon people, emphasized that the decision was the product of months of consultations, assessments, and feedback from across the state and beyond.The Forum acknowledged that six prominent Eggon sons had secured party tickets for the governorship contest, namely: Hon. Shuaibu Umaru Kubi (ACCORD), Gen. Nuhu Angbazo (ADC), Hon. Chris Mamman (ADP), Hon. Ibrahim Kassimu Aboh (APGA), Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu (PDP), and Mr. John Tanko Kigbu (YPP). While commending all six candidates for their courage and commitment to public service, the Forum explained that the need for unity and collective interest compelled them to adopt a single candidate. This, they argued, would prevent the fragmentation of Eggon votes and strengthen the community’s chances of producing the next governor of Nasarawa State.According to the communiqué, the Forum’s assessment was guided by several political considerations: party stability, grassroots presence, popularity across the state, structural strength of the political platforms, track records in previous positions of responsibility, governance experience, and manifesto credibility. On these grounds, Ombugadu was adjudged to be the most suitable candidate, having demonstrated consistency, political maturity, and a broad appeal across Nasarawa State.In a communiqué signed by Alh. Umaru Gwamna (Cingarin Eggon), Chairman of the Forum, and Hon. Chief Istifanus Dennis Abaku (Dan Masani Akun / Uban Garin Ende), Secretary, the Forum appealed to the other five Eggon candidates to rally behind Ombugadu in the spirit of unity. “We respectfully appeal to the five other candidates to kindly support and rally round the adopted candidate to ensure victory in the forthcoming elections,” the Forum declared.The Forum further extended its appeal to other ethnic nationalities in Nasarawa State, urging them to align with the Eggon people in supporting Ombugadu’s candidature. It stressed that while divergent interests are natural in politics, the collective interest of the land must remain supreme.Shortly after the endorsement, the Forum led a high-powered delegation to the palace of the Aren Eggon, His Royal Highness Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku, to formally notify him of the resolution. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Chairman Alh. Umaru Gwamna briefed the paramount ruler on the aims and objectives of the Forum and explained the decision to adopt Ombugadu as the consensus candidate. He emphasized that the Forum deemed it necessary to seek the royal father’s advice and blessings as the Eggon Nation embarks on this united political journey.In his response, the Aren Eggon commended the Forum for its efforts to unite the Eggon people and described Ombugadu as a “blessed son of the Eggon Nation” who has consistently made his people proud. He noted that Ombugadu is not only an asset to the Eggon Nation but to Nasarawa State at large, wishing him success in the forthcoming governorship election. His Royal Highness also admonished all Eggon candidates and their supporters to shun politics of bitterness, propaganda, blackmail, and hatred, reminding them that leadership ultimately comes from God. “We as men can only do our human arrangements, but God alone can make it happen,” he cautioned.The royal father concluded by offering his blessings and wishing Ombugadu well in his political pursuit.The endorsement and royal affirmation are being hailed as a historic opportunity for the Eggon Nation, which has long aspired to produce the governor of Nasarawa State. With unity of purpose and the backing of traditional authority, the Forum expressed optimism that 2027 could mark the realization of this dream. Political analysts note that the move could significantly reshape the dynamics of the forthcoming election, as the Eggon people constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in the state. By consolidating their support behind a single candidate, the Forum hopes to maximize their influence and bargaining power in the wider political landscape.The Eggon Political Forum’s decision underscores the importance of unity, consultation, and collective interest in the pursuit of political power. As the countdown to the 2027 governorship election begins, all eyes will be on Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, who now carries not only the weight of Eggon aspirations but also the blessings of their revered traditional ruler.
Politics
Tinubu Assures Investors Nigeria Is Open for Business, Welcomes Coca-Cola’s $1bn Plan
By Francis Wilfred
President Bola Tinubu has assured local and international investors that Nigeria remains open for business, saying his administration is implementing reforms aimed at creating a more predictable, competitive and investment-friendly environment.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the 75th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) in Abuja on Monday, the President said the government is addressing key challenges facing businesses under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our message to investors, both Nigerian and international, is clear: Nigeria is open for business,” Tinubu said,
He noted that reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics, access to foreign exchange, stable regulations and a supportive tax system are critical to attracting investment and expanding production.
According to Yomi Odunuga, the President said ongoing economic reforms are designed to build a more productive and competitive economy, reduce dependence on imports, strengthen local manufacturing and create jobs for Nigerians.
Tinubu welcomed the Coca-Cola System’s proposed $1 billion investment in Nigeria over five years, announced in 2024, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economy.
He said the administration is focused not only on the volume of investment attracted but also on its impact on employment, skills development, technology transfer and local sourcing.
“We are interested not only in the amount of capital that comes into Nigeria, but in what that capital does here,” he said.
The President also praised NBC’s continued expansion of production capacity, including new production lines in Oyo and Kano states, describing such investments as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving policies, infrastructure and regulations to support businesses, while urging the private sector to complement government efforts through investment, innovation and job creation.
Tinubu further highlighted the importance of human capital development, commending NBC’s Supply Chain Academy for training over 1,400 young Nigerians and supporting women’s empowerment and community development initiatives.
He urged investors to take advantage of opportunities across Nigeria, expressing confidence that the country can build a stronger economy driven by local production, exports and globally competitive industries.
Politics
Kano Governorship: Accord Party Governorship Candidate Gashash Getting More Endorsement From Kano Electorates.
By Jabiru Hassan.
The movement for Democratic Protection and good governance (MDSG) declared it's full support to the Accord Party Governorship Candidate Ambassador Dr. Mukhtar Gashash in the forthcoming general elections.
In a chat with our correspondent in kano, the national president of the movement, Alhaji Dauda Mohammed Ali, stated that it is time for the people of kano state to bring new steward who is seriously planning to transform the state with highest regard.
He expressed his confidence that Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash will do his best to ensure that kano state becomes more examplary at both sector without bias which is the task previous administrators failed to achieve.
Alhaji Dauda Mohammed Ali reiterated that " this time around, our movement is working day and night to make sure that Kano people mostly youths remained Committed to actualize real change in the state's politics, leadership and transformation under the Accord Party government".
He called on the people of kano state especially the eligible voters to vote Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash due to his Transformation plans for the progress of kano state and it's citizens at both Urban and rural settlements.
Responding to a question about Accord party's strength in kano state, Dauda Mohammed Ali disclosed that in today's democracy, competent candidates should be tipped for an elective positions not the popularity of the political parties stressing that Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash has been found to be the best option for kano state due to his track record on competency, transparency as a real democrat.
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