Taraba Government urges public to disregard rumour of appointment of new Ukweh Takum

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By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo

Taraba State Government has debunked the rumour making the rounds that a new Ukweh Takum has been appointed.

State Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Barrister Zainab Usman Jalingo who debunked the appointment in a statement while responding to a report circurlating regarding the alleged appointment of a new ‘King’ in Takum urged the people to dismiss any unfounded rumour to the purported appointment of a new King in Takum.

“Contrary to this claims, the Govermment wishes to emphatically State that no new ‘King’ has been appointed in Takum, the Government is currently holding extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders the process of appointing a new King in Takum will only commence after the conclusion of consultations,” the commissioner said.

But in a swift reactions to the statement by the commissioner, the Kuteb elders first corrected her of wrongly using the term ‘King of Takum’ saying that the Official traditional stool in Takum recognised by the Taraba State laws is ‘Ukweh Takum’.

They lamented that the stool for the paramount ruler of Takum has been vacant for 26 years after the death of Ali Ibrahim Kufang II but according to them a new Ukweh Takum Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu 11 has been appointed by the Kuteb traditional Kingmakers inline with Kuteb traditions and customs.

“After undergoing traditional purification ritual process by the Kukwen Rikwen, the Kuteb Traditional priest he will be installed, coronated and presented with a Staff of office at a date fixed by the Government, so far it is a matter of tradition and the Government is not involved, at the right time they will be involved to do the needful” the Kuteb Nation disclosed.

The Kuteb elders called on the Taraba State Government to allow them freedom in practicing their traditions without interference adding that the new Ukweh Takum will work towards peace and prosperity within domain while serving the people regardless of tribe or ethnicity.