By Come. Martin Iorsanber
Kwande Local Government Area’s affiliation with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is rooted in its commitment to zoning and fairness. In 1998, Hon. Adzer Ukende’s tenure was truncated by General Sani Abacha’s demise. Initially, the chairmanship was slated for Shangev-ya after Ukende’s term.
However, the political leader of Kwande Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo intervened, requesting Ukende’s continuation since he didn’t do a full tenure. Hon. Imoter Nungwa who was in the perfect position to go for the chairmanship graciously conceded to Paul Unongo’s request. It was the refusal of Hon Imoter Nungwa to go against Paul Unongo that Engr. Denis Dzeka protested, he then joined forces with His Excellency Asom Bur who was in PDP though with very few membership but the majority of Kwande opted for PDP, upholding zoning principles and solidarity with Shangev-ya. This was how the minority group became a winning party in the 1998 chairmanship election in Kwande.
*A Legacy of Zoning*
Shangev-ya has benefited from Kwande’s resolve on zoning. It’s disheartening to hear that some Shangev-ya individuals are involved in denying another clan their rightful chairmanship. Well-meaning Shangev-ya leaders must reject this unjust agenda. The people of Shangev-ya are not greedy therefore nobody should be too big to bring the whole of shangev-ya to ridicule for any selfish agenda.
*Setting the Record Straight*
The Usar and Agba-Ikyan scenario is often misquoted by mischief makers. Usar requested for chairmanship that they have not produced the chairman since God knows when irrespective to the fact that the secretariat is in their land. They resulted to seek a “loan” of the chairmanship, acknowledging it wasn’t their turn but that of Agba-Ikyan. This loan was possible and graciously given by Agba- Ikyan political leaders due to Agba-Ikyan’s existing political weight at that time. Hon Bob Tyough was in the House of Reps, Hon Sughur Abanyi was in the State Assembly, Hon Surnen Idyu was SSA to the Governor and Mummy Margaret Icheen was PDP BoT member. In the spirit of Ya na Angbian, Agba-Ikyan gave the chairmanship to Usar with Hon. Orjir Gbande benefiting. That loan was the true meaning of Ya na Angbian. How is this related to the Issue of Shangev-ya who took Caretaker Chairman from Usar against the zoning arrangement and are now taking it away from Turan? The chairmanship is a Turan affair and should not be interfered with by external forces.
*A Plea for Justice and Peace in Kwande*
Kwande has endured political violence. To prevent further strife, all well-meaning individuals must unite to ensure justice and fairness in the chairmanship allocation. Allocating it to Shangev-ya would not only undermine zoning principles, it has already started sparking unrest. Kwande should not be painted in bad light again. I call on the political and socio-cultural leaders in Kwande to tell the world their position clearly on this issue.
*A Must Do*
1. Shangev-ya leaders should speak out to reject this unjust agenda that is painting the whole of shangev-ya as bad people.
2. Kwande stakeholders and opinion leaders should unite against chairmanship denial to any clan as it was the case in 1998.
3. Benue State politicians especially those across Tiv land should prioritize age long zoning principle for peaceful coexistence in the state.
Martin Iorsamber, Former SDP Senatorial candidate for Benue North East writes from Mbaketsa, Kwande
