Former Chief of Army Staff, Retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, has commended Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba for resolving the prolonged Takum Chieftancy tussle.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the resolution led to the appointment of a king after 28 years.
Danjuma spoke during the inauguration ceremony of Chief Sopiya Ahmadu, the new traditional ruler of Takum.
He said that the history of Takum as advanced by the Kuteb people was false and only known to those trying to cause trouble.
“They are the people of the hills and cannot lay claim to the sole ownership of Takum,” he said.
Danjuma advised Kefas to be ready to face more litigations over the Chieftancy issue, assuring him that truth would always triumph over falsehood.
He urged the young people in the area to go to school and acquire knowledge that would be beneficial to the community.
While congratulating Ahmadu on his ascension to the throne of his great grand fathers, he urged him to see it as a call to service and treat all people equally.
Gov. Kefas, in his remarks, recalled the challenges on the way to reconciliation, fairness and unity, appealing to the people to give peace a chance.
“Today, we bring peace and unity to Takum. As the chief of Takum, you must rule with integrity and respect for all.
“This is not a moment of victory, but a moment for shared prosperity and great future for Takum.
“We pledge to ensure that all displaced people return to their homes and to assist those in need to return to normal lives for a brighter and inclusive future.”
On his part, former Governor of Plateau, Chief Jonah Jang, while congratulating the people of Takum, called on state governors to demand for state police to enable them police their territories well.
Gov Godwin Obaseki of Edo, in his remarks, called on the people of Taraba to embrace peace to harness the God-given resources and talents of the state.
“Today marks the beginning of a new dawn and prosperity in Takum and Taraba
“With the inauguration of the new Chief of Takum, prosperity and peace will be restored and the people will be happy.
In his vote of thanks, Chief Ahmadu, the new traditional ruler, called on all to join hands, forget all differences,k and build Takum.
He pledged to focus on security to ensure peace for the good of the land.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Takum Chieftancy stool, hitherto reserved for the Kuteb, will now rotate among the Chamba, Kuteb and Kpanzu peoples of Takum.
Kefas recently signed to law, a Bill that effected the change.
NAN recalls that the Kuteb people, in a recent press conference, rejected the rotational arrangement, and insisted that they would not recognise the new chief, who is of Chamba extraction. (NAN)