Taraba Assembly promises to maintain equity in the fight over traditional Takum stool

In the midst of the protracted traditional leadership conflict in Takum Local Government Area, the Taraba State House of Assembly’s House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has promised to uphold equity among all ethnic groups.

The promise was made at a public hearing held in the State House of Assembly chamber in Jalingo on Monday. The hearing was called in response to an executive bill that Governor Agbu Kefas had introduced, which sought to change the council’s established leadership structure.

During the public hearing, representatives of several ethnic groups in Takum expressed differing views. Some, like the Kuteb ethnic group, argued for exclusive rights to the traditional stool, while others favored the rotational concept.

The governor was thanked by the various ethnic groups for stepping in to resolve the long-running conflict. They pleaded with the committee, which is chaired by former Speaker Peter Abel Diah, to make sure that their discussions are fair and open.

Throughout his speech, Diah emphasized the need of ethnic groups coming together and pushing past the long-standing animosity and resentment that has afflicted the area.

He gave the public confidence in the committee’s commitment to finding a long-term solution and said the 24 Assembly members would carefully review the findings.

For the previous 26 years, Takum’s traditional stool has been empty, which has caused controversy, resulted in fatalities, and destroyed property.