By Sanee Yarima
The Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council of Taraba State has debunked the allegations labelled against the President General of the Tiv Culture and Social Association (TCSA), Chief James Chihi Baka, by the Ucha-Sub Clan, that he was responsible for the chieftaincy disputes in Wukari and Ibi Local Government Areas of the state.
Zaki David Gbaa Tela, JP, Gun Begha U Tiv, Ter-Tiv Taraba (I), and Chairman Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council, Taraba State, cleared the air on the allegations during a press conference held on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, in Jalingo.
He said the council categorically rejected the purported Vote of No Confidence passed against the President General by the Ucha-Sub Clan, describing it as unconstitutional, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to destabilise the unity of the Tiv people in the state.
Tela said, “As the custodians of Tiv culture and tradition, we wish to state unequivocally that no single clan or sub-clan has the authority to unilaterally remove the President General of the TCSA.”
According to him, the Ucha-Sub Clan lacks the powers to impeach the President General, adding that their action is not recognized by the Tiv Traditional leadership in the state.
Also describing the so-called vote of no confidence as a joke taken too far, the council warned those attempting to create confusion within the Tiv leadership to desist from such an unthinkable act.
Zaki David Gbaa Tela, further revealed that the selection of Tiv traditional leaders in Wukari and Ibi LGAs followed due process, insisting that it was conducted by kingmakers under the Tiv custom.
He noted that the claim that Chief Baka violated the traditional representation in the TCSA Elders Statesmen Committee is misleading and unfounded, reaffirming that Baka’s administration remained inclusive and fair to all factions within the Tiv cultural structure.
The Taraba State Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor Agbu Kefas, describing his administration as inclusive and beneficial to the Tiv people as he appointed many of their sons and daughters to key positions, reflecting his commitment to fairness and unity.
Additionally, the council warned in strong terms against any attempt to undermine the peace efforts of Governor Agbu Kefas and reaffirmed commitment to a united and inclusive Tiv leadership, as it urged all Tiv people to remain steadfast in promoting peace and reject any divisive agenda by selfish individuals.
Meanwhile, Zaki David Gbaa Tela has crowned three individuals as central Tiv traditional leaders comprising Kelvin Torligom as Ter-Tiv of Karim Lamido LG, and Japet Mkar- Ter-Tiv of Ibi LG, as well as John Aondonengen Ikyo as the Ter-Tiv of Wukari LGA respectively.
