Atom Kpera to chair Tor Tiv coronation committee

Former military governor of old Anambra and Benue states, Gen. Atom Kpera (rtd), has been picked as Chairman of the Coronation Committee of the 5th Tor Tiv, while the Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Titus Zam, is to serve as secretary.

The decision was taken yesterday when the governor met with royal fathers in Tivland at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi. The meeting, which deliberated on the installation of first class chiefs and coronation of the new Tor Tiv, was attended by the Tor Tiv-elect, Prof James Ayatse, first, second and third class chiefs in the 14 Tiv-speaking local government areas of the state.

Though no date had been fixed for the coronation, but it was agreed that the event would hold towards the end of February or first two weeks of March this year.

Other member of the committee include traditional rulers, leadership of the Mdzough U Tiv, some state Assembly members, representatives of prominent political parties, Tiv Diaspora groups, prominent Tiv sons and daughters and co-opted government officials.

Another meeting at which details of the central committee membership would be concluded was scheduled for Tuesday next week.Ortom, after the meeting, presented Toyota Prado and Hilux pick ups to each of the six first class chiefs.

He stated that in spite of the economic challenges, it was imperative that government meets its responsibility of providing mobility for the chiefs to enable them discharge their duties, which includes enhanced security. The Acting Tor Tiv, Chief Ivokor Unongo, expressed appreciation to the governor, describing the presentation as unprecedented in the history of the state.