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His Majesty Manu Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen
By Anthony Maliki, Abuja, Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
Wukari, the traditional, spiritual and cultural headquarters of the Jukun, tucked in the southern part of Taraba State comes alive today as the state government officially install and present the First-Class Staff of Office to the Aku Uka, His Majesty, Manu Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen. He is the 25th Leader of the Jukun people.
The ancient town is expected to be standstill as subjects of the Aku Uka from far and near would adorn the indigo and white as well as hand-woven cotton Jukun traditional attire and partake in the frenzy.
Besides, the spirit world would be involved in the festivities as many of the traditional display and worship would be presented though it is majorly a formal government event.
Manu Matakhitswen emerged at Puje in January, 2022 after Aku Uka, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi Kuvyon II had journeyed to Pankya to join the communion of ancestors who sent him October 8, 2021.
The new Jukun leader assumed the throne of Jukun forebears on Friday, January 28, 2022 when he took human form after he emerged from Puje, chosen to lead the people.
Taraba State Governor, Architect Darius Ishaku, also a Jukun son, is expected to lead other dignitaries in the presentation of the Staff of Office.
Also expected at the ceremony is Nigeria elder statesman and Jukun son, Lt.-General T.Y. Danjuma amongst others.
Manu Matakhitswen was born on March 24, 1946 and holds Higher National Diploma (HND) in Forestry in 1986 from the premier Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Plateau State.
He joined the civil service in 1965 and retired in the year 2000 as Chief Forest Superintendent, after 35 years of meritorious service thereafter engaged in community, religious and social activities, as well as special duty as member of task force on Forest Management in Taraba State.
He has special interests in listening to news, both local and international, humanitarian service and environmental development.
Until his appointment, he was chairman of Abiu Bauka, Jalingo Branch and that of the Kwararafa Ethnic Nationalities residing in Taraba State.
In Wukari today, there are speculations that the Governor might be booed as was the case in Donga on Thursday during the presentation of Staff of Office to Gara Donga, Ambassador Sanvala Varzoa Shimbura.
As such, tight security has been beefed up at the venue of the ceremony with people expected to be thoroughly screened before entry into the arena.
Manu Matakhitswen as he emerged from Puje in January this year sent by the ancestors to lead to Jukun
Meanwhile, the Taraba State Government has advised sections of the media to stop misinforming the public that Governor Ishaku was booed during the presentation of Staff of Office to the new Gara Donga.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu says it is true that supporters of major political parties were fully on ground to promote their candidates and as well hoodlums that attempted to cause mayhem.
It states categorically that Governor Ishaku was not booed saying those promoting the deliberate falsehood are those who were not even at the event and were relying on unverified reports from agents of the political opposition whose motive is to gain political advantage from the event.
Also, the state Commissioner of Information and Reorientation, Lois Emmanuel has cautioned social media handlers against spreading falsehood.
Lois gave the caution in a joint press briefing with the Permanent Secretary, Press Affairs, Government House Jalingo, Iliya Bekyu Akweh.
The Commissioner condemned recent reports emanating from some media outlets mostly social media that Governor Ishaku was booed during the presentation of Staff of Office to the new Gara Donga.
She pointed out that Governor Ishaku was well received at the installation ceremony and wondered why politicians would use propaganda to discredit a program that ended successfully.
Lois advised politicians to thread the line of peace which Governor Ishaku has always preached to people of the State.
On his part, Akweh described journalism as a noble profession which cannot be overshadowed by miscreants.
He emphasized that Journalist are watchdog of the Society hence the need to mirror the society in the positive way and be diligent in their assignment.
Akweh maintained that the Governor was well received before, during and after the ceremony.
The Permanent Secretary advised those plotting to tarnish the image of Governor Ishaku and his administration to desist forthwith for the interest of peace and development.
He called on those attending the installation of the Aku Uka to be law abiding citizens.
But Apex News Exclusive was privy to videos clips from Donga where the Governor was actually booed with many in the crowd calling him a “thief.”
