The House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of the Taraba State House of Assembly has pledged to ensure fairness among all ethnic groups amidst the longstanding traditional leadership dispute in Takum Local Government Area.
The pledge was made during a public hearing convened on Monday in Jalingo, in the State House of Assembly chamber, in reaction to an executive bill presented by Governor Agbu Kefas aimed at reforming the traditional leadership structure in the council.
Representatives of various ethnic groups in Takum voiced divergent opinions during the public hearing. While some supported the rotational proposal, others, notably the Kuteb ethnic group, advocated for exclusive rights to the traditional stool.
The different ethnic groups expressed gratitude to the governor for intervening in the longstanding dispute. They urged the committee, led by former Speaker Peter Abel Diah, to ensure fairness and transparency in their deliberations.
In his address, Diah underscored the importance of unity among the ethnic groups, urging them to overcome the hatred and bitterness that have plagued the community for years.
He assured the public of the committee’s dedication to finding a lasting solution, stating that its report would undergo thorough consideration by the 24 members of the Assembly.
The traditional stool in Takum has remained vacant for the past 26 years, sparking controversies and leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of properties.
