By Peter Duru
The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has called on the leadership of the Ichongo Akem Peoples Assembly to unite all sons and daughters of the community to attract meaningful development to the area.
Ortom gave the charge during the inauguration of the association’s executive members and the formal unveiling of its certificate of registration in Makurdi.
As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ate-U-Ichongo Akem Peoples Assembly, Ortom paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman, Wantaregh Paul Unongo and other prominent sons of Ichongo who dedicated their lives to the unity and progress of the people.
“The late Unongo and our forefathers envisioned an Ichongo that would lead by example in the affairs of the Tiv nation. It is our duty to continue their work and ensure that their aspirations are not lost,” Ortom said.
Regretting that Ichongo, traditionally regarded as the eldest son of the Tiv, has not been occupying its rightful place in regional affairs, Ortom emphasized, “As the eldest son of Tiv, Ichongo Akem should be leading the way in promoting unity, development, and progress across the Tiv nation.”
Ortom also appealed to traditional rulers to rise above partisan politics and act as fathers to all sons and daughters of Ichongo, warning that political alignment could undermine unity and development.
Speaking on the worsening security in the state, he described it as unfortunate saying that Ichongo communities have been heavily affected by persistent attacks from armed herdsmen.
Earlier, Elder Azer Ukende, representing the Central Planning Committee, explained that the Ichongo Akem Peoples Assembly was an apolitical body aimed at fostering unity and guiding development within the community.
In separate remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, retired Justice Augustine Utsaha, alongside Professor Steve Ugba and Charles Torbunde, cautioned the Assembly’s leadership against politicizing the group, emphasizing that neutrality was essential for achieving the association’s objectives.
Tor Lobi, HRH Moses Anagende, urged all Ichongo and Tiv sons and daughters to set aside differences and work collectively for the progress of the Tiv nation.
The President of the Ate-U-Ichongo Akem Peoples Assembly, Dr. Didymus Tamen pledged to lead with fairness, integrity, and in the collective interest of the people.
Highlight of the event was the official inauguration of the executive members and the unveiling of the association’s certificate of registration.
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