Says TIDA will not resolve intra- crisis of Tiv person’s on pages of newspapers
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State chapter Preaident of the Tiv Development Association, (TIDA), Hon Solomon Chunku, has distanced himself from a publication which he described as divisive culpable of dividing the Tiv people in the state.
Hon Solomon in a statement signed by him and made available to journalist on Thursday said lt become imperatively and un-avoidably important for him as President Tiv Development Association (TIDA). Nasarawa State to clear the air on the lingering media issues as it affects the Tiv people of Nasarawa State.
He recalled that Sometimes this year (2023), the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Nasarawa State on Public Affairs Mr. Peter Ahemba was granted an interview by African Independent Television (AIT) in his official capacity as the SSA Public Affairs to the Governor. After some days, a group of Tiv PDP Members led by Boniface Ifer responded to the said AIT interview.
However, Solomon noted that the choice of words and attack from the Boniface Ifer group was rather personalized to the individual of Mr. Peter Ahemba rather than responding to the issues raised.
“I frown at this because as a leader who is interested in the unity of my people despite their political differences, I do not take delight in the attack of individual for partisan reasons.”
“Just yesterday, I read from different social media platforms where a publication was made in reaction to the earlier one by Mr. Boniface Ifer, and the publications was purported to have emanated from the office of TIDA President.”
Hon Solomon explained that the said document did not emanate from his office and never authorized any one to do so on his behalf.
He said TIDA will never resolve intra-crisis of Tiv persons on the pages of newspapers or any media platform but will seek dialogue amongst the warring factions for amicable resolution of such crisis.
Hon Solomon acknowledged the fact the fact that every Nigerian citizen has the right to freedom of association but must be practiced on moral and ethical values that can foster the unity of the people rather than dividing them.
Consequently, he said TIDA as a group has commenced moves to bring the aggrieved parties together and seek dialogue among them.
“We therefore call on the general public to disregard any partisan publication purported to be emanating from the office of the TIDA President in order to maintain neutrality in the affairs of our community.”
“We shall ensure the unity of the Tiv people of Nasarawa State in their political diversity,” he added.