24th September, 2010
There are indications that the rift between Governor Gabriel Suswam and his predecessor, Senator George Akume, may soon be over following the intervention of HRH Tor Tiv IV, Orchivirgh, Dr. Alfred Torkula.
A reconciliation meeting was summoned by the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation in his palace in Gboko recently.
A source told P.M.NEWS that at the meeting, which lasted the whole day and was attended by ten loyalists of the two political gladiators, the royal father expressed displeasure over the lingering bickering between the top Tiv sons.
Torkula further warned the warring parties to charge their supporters to desist from making damning remarks that could undermine the existing peaceful political atmosphere in the state. The rift between Governor and Senator Akume has caused tension in the state ahead of the 2011 polls.
All efforts to reconcile them until now have been futile. Last week at an endorsement rally held at the tomb of the foremost political icon in Tivland, Senator Joseph Saawuan Tarka in Gboko, Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo had called on the two prominent politicians to sheathe their swords in the interest of the state and as a mark of honour to the late minority leader.
“Suswam should respect Akume as former governor of the state and Akume should also accord same to Suswam for the sake of peace,†the former Minister for Steel had passionately pleaded.
Unongo’s comments may have informed the convening of the meeting to settle the differences between the two political heavyweights in the state.
—Ubong George/ Makurdi