By Tersoo Kula
Last Saturday, the Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) conferred on Governor Hyacinth Alia an honorific Chieftaincy title of the Asortar U Tiv (The Reformer or Fixer of the Tiv Nation).
By the conferment, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has become a member of the inner Advisory Council of the Begha U Tiv and leader of the Tiv Supreme Council, H.R.M. Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse.
The decision of TATC to confer this revered chieftaincy title on the Governor is both timely and profoundly symbolic. It clearly depicts a collective acknowledgement by the highest traditional authority of the Tiv Nation that purposeful leadership, anchored on reform, integrity, and courage, merits celebration and encouragement.
Also, by admitting the Governor into the inner Advisory Council of the Begha U Tiv, the TATC has not only honoured an individual but has affirmed its confidence in a leadership that is distinctly changing the narrative and redefining governance in the agrarian state of Benue.
The honour has received applause both within and outside the state. Many who endorsed the decision have continued to justify their position by pointing out the reasons for their endorsement, saying the reasons are self-evident.
Firstly, it is an undeniable fact that Governor Alia’s administration has, within a short period, embarked on bold reforms aimed at restoring order, accountability, and efficiency in public service.
Secondly, his “giant strides” cut across institutional restructuring, renewed focus on security, infrastructural revival, and a firm stand against practices that previously undermined the state’s progress.
These reforms which have fetched him enmity, particularly among the old order that is fixated on status quo, are necessary steps towards reclaiming Benue’s lost glory, and the TATC’s honour validates the sincerity and impact of this reformist agenda.
Admittedly, the path of reform is never without obstacles; ranging from entrenched interests to resistance to change.
However, with the collaboration, wisdom, and moral authority of the Tiv Area Traditional Council, these challenges can be genuinely confronted and surmounted.
The role of the traditional institutions as vital partners in mobilizing the people, fostering unity, and lending cultural legitimacy to progressive governance cannot be over emphasized. Together, the government and the TATC can summon the collective will needed to overcome setbacks and sustain reforms.
At this critical juncture, the expectation from the generality of the Benue people is clear: patience, support, and constructive engagement with government policies.
We invite citizens to own up responsibility and rise above cynicism and play their part in building a peaceful, prosperous Benue.
With visionary leadership, cultural support, and popular cooperation, Governor Hyacinth Alia is steadily steering Benue State towards its promised land; one defined by stability, justice, and shared prosperity.
Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
