By Ate Fortune Ternenge
As democracy continues to evolve in Nigeria, the Tiv kingdom has long established an unwritten rule of rotational governance, ensuring equitable representation among its five sectional Clans: Kwande, Jechira, Jemgbagh, Sankera, and Abetse.
This tradition, born out of fairness and a desire for inclusive leadership, has guided the allocation of the Governorship seat since 1979.
A review of history reveals a consistent pattern:
– 1979: Kwande Axis (Aper Aku, NPN)–4yeats & Months.
– 1991: Jechira Axis (Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu, SDP)—2years & Months.
– 1999: Jemgbagh Axis (Sen. George Akume, PDP)—8years.
– 2007: Sankera Axis (Sen. Gabriel Suswam, PDP)—8years.
– 2015: Abetse Axis (Samuel Ortom Adologo, APC-turned-PDP)—8years.
– 2023: Jechira Axis (Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia)—2years and Counting.
Given this sequence, the next turn after 8years of Jechira Axis, it should logically fall to Kwande Axis in 2031. Those advocating for a shift to another axis in 2027 are, with respect, engaging in political kite-flying—testing waters rather than respecting the collective understanding.
The Tiv people have a saying: “A Tiv man knows his turn.” Let us honour our tradition and allow the rotational principle to unfold as agreed. The Kwande people will decide internally how to allocate their turn, come 2031.
The God of Tiv Politics watches over us all.
Ate writes from BLS, Mkar.
