Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Professor James Ayatse
The Paramount Ruler of Tiv race, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Professor James Ayatse has expressed the hope of a peaceful coexistence between the Jukun and Tiv people in southern part of Taraba State.
The Tor Tiv made the remarks at the Aku Uka Guest House, Wukari where he went to commiserate with the Jukun nation over the death of their Paramount Ruler, Angyu Masa Ibi, Wukari.
Professor Ayatse said that he dreamt of the day the Jukuns and the Tivs will live side by side with mutual love prevailing between them.
He said that if that day comes in history, then the ideas of harmony and peaceful coexistence the late monarch believed in and endeavoured to achieve would not be in vain after all.
He remarked that he was in Wukari, first on behalf of himself as a Tiv man, Tor Tiv, Chairman of Benue State Council of Chiefs, and then the National President of Christian Traditional Rulers in Nigeria to register profound condolences over the loss, describing it as devastating to the both Nations.
Professor Ayatse maintained that if the two peoples learn to live together, more development will be achieved in Wukari town and Taraba State generally. He argued that Wukari is becoming more of a shadow of itself unlike what it used to be in the past, due to years of crises and acrimonious relationship; admonishing the two sides to put the past behind then.
Responding, the Gara Donga, His Royal Highness, Chief Sanvala Varzoa Shimbura expressed appreciation over the Tor Tiv’s visit, describing it as great demonstration of brotherly love.
He said that he also share in the Tor Tiv’s dream of a peaceful southern Taraba and the whole state, stressing that virtuous legacies of the late monarch will be sustained for growth to take place.
