News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem has outlined qualities for the next First Class Chief who would preside over the traditional affairs of Sankera intermediate area of the state.
Governor Alia made this known Sunday, February 16, 2025 while speaking at the one year Memorial Thanksgiving Mass/Reception of HRH, Late Chief Abu King Shuluwa (Tor Sankera I) and Derobing of HRH, Lady Elizabeth-Mary N. Shuluwa, first at the Catholic Youth Centre and later at King Shuluwa’s compound along George Akume Way, Makurdi.
He said it was now a good time for them to start thinking and planning quickly to find a replacement for the Late Tor Sankera.
“The late Tor Sankera was a direct uncle of mine, so to me it was even too early to start thinking about seeking for a replacement.
“We can never have a total closure to this but I think we are at the good anchor of one year to say yes now we can think and start planning quickly for a replacement”.
The Governor insisted that the next Tor Sankera must be a man of integrity, a lover of truth and someone who is willing to die for his people.
“It is very clear to me that the next Tor Sankera must be a man of integrity, a man of the people, someone who is truth friendly, someone who calls a spade a spade, and someone who is willing to take a bullet for the people of Sankera”.
Governor Alia added that he had already sent a message to the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse requesting him to accelerate the process, saying it was time for someone who will come in with a fresh thinking for development and growth to take over the place of Late Abu King Shuluwa.
“I know your children are vying for this position, again, it must be someone with integrity” the Governor emphasized.
He highlighted a number of causes late Abu King Shuluwa championed during his life time, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to ensuring that peace returned to Sankera
“My uncle had a number of causes he was championing, primarily the peace at his own domain, his kingdom in Sankera”
While acknowledging the skirmishes of violent attacks that are still going on in Sankera, Governor Alia reiterated his commitment to ensuring that absolute peace is returned to the area.
He thanked the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-ala Diocese, Most Rev’d Isaac Dugu and the Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse for their unwavering dedication to bringing peace to Sankera.
Governor Alia, who called on traditional rulers to continue to watch and preach against crime in their communities said however that, those who are aiding and abating crime in their areas will soon be dethroned.
He appreciated the people for showing presence and associating with the Shuluwa family, saying for the past one year, they had demonstrated love and concern for the family.
In their remarks, the chairman of Katsina-ala Local Government Area, Hon. Justin Shaku and the House of Assembly member representing Katsina-ala West Constituency, Hon. Peter Ipusu thanked Governor Alia for the love he has for the people of Sankera and for the efforts he has been making to restore peace in the area, adding that the people of Sankera will continue to pitch tent with him throughout his journey in politics.
The matriarch of the family and Ngô U Sankera I, HRH, Lady Elizabeth-Mary Shuluwa thanked the people for honouring the family with their presence and support and prayed that God should grant all of them journey mercies back to their various destinations.
