27 year after: Mix reactions trail presentation of Staff of Office, coronation Chief of Takum

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas

By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo

The 27 years of Takum chiefdom lingering crises has finally been put to rest as Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has presented the staff of office to Barrister Sopiya Gboshi of Chamba-Takum Chiefdom as new 1st Class Chief of Takum chiefdom.

The presentation followed the ruling of a high court judgment sitting in Jalingo on Monday May 13^th setting aside the claim of Takum – kuteb regarding the rotation system for the position of chief of Takum.

Performing the ceremony at Government House exco chamber, Jalingo, Governor Kefas noted that the decision to rotate the position of the chief of Takum among the ethnic groups was made with best intention for inclusivity and unity.

He said: “We must always differ from the legal framework that governs our actions. As such, I have made the decision to issue the staff of office to new appointed chiefs in our state capital Jalingo as prescribed by the judgment. Though the ceremony did not take place here in Takum as originally planned,let us not waver in our resolve to advance unity and progress in our community because the message remains the same, a commitment to peace, inclusivity and shared prosperity for all of us.”

Governor Kefas while congratulating the new chief of Takum and two other 3rd class chiefs Uhwe Bala Ephriam of Jukum Takum Chiefdom and Sulaiman Umar Salihu of kur Garbabi Chiefdom respectively urged them to serve with integrity, compassion, steadfast and dedication to the wellbeing of the people of their domains.

“As we move forward from this moment, let us remember that the through strength of Takum lies in our unity and resilience. Together let us embrace the challenges ahead with courage and determination, knowing that through dialogue, cooperation, adherence to rule of law, we can overcome any obstacle. I implore you all to remain law-abiding and to support my administration in delivering the best for you. I came to serve you people, not myself.”

He assured that his administration has realistic plans to empower the people of the state which according to him will be unveiled soon and urged youths and women to support peace and progress in the state.

Responding on behalf of other new appointed chiefs, the new chief of Takum His Royal Highness Barrister Gboshi thanked Governor Kefas and the people of the state chose them and promised that they will work hard to justify the confidence established in them.

Meanwhile the national president of Kuteb Nation, Comrade Emmanuel Ukwen in media press briefing said the people of Kutebs will not recognize the new chief of Takum, noting that the presentation of staff by the governor will soon be challenged at the competent court.