After Getting Aku Uka's Royal Blessings, Wukari Residents, Tiv Community Endorses PDP Guber Candidate, Kefas Agbu

Though the homecoming was on a short notice, the People Democratic Party PDP, flag bearer Lt Col Kefas Agbu paid a visit to the Aku Uka of Wukari to pay homage and seeks his blessings against the 2023 election.

Kefas Agbu who had earlier been received in Wukari by mammoth crowd was accompanied by supporters and well-wishers to the Aku's temporary residence in Wukari Local Government  Area.

 

The gubernatorial aspirant expressed how excited he is to be home he said ''I am officially in the palace to present my self as a candidate of PDP and the gubernatorial flag bearer. I have come with my fellow politicians from the Northern and central zone, as a matter of fact, everyone is here, they have endorsed me, but I am here before you to seek for your blessings.

 

"As a son of the soil I have come home to give respect to whom it is due, I have come to seek the blessings of my royal father, to bless me and the vision I have for Taraba and it's entire people."

 

The Aku Uka, Emmanuel Ishaku Adda Ali, while blessing the gubernatorial aspirant said ''I pray the lord bless and grant you your heart desires and grant you that which you asks of from Him.The king prayed for guidance and protection on the part of the gubernatorial flag bearer.

 

The new ruler in his speech however, admonished people in power to always remember the masses. He advised Kefas Agbu, to make sure he fulfils all the campaign promises he has on mind for Taraba State, he also advised not to allow his supporters especially youths get involved in thuggery for the sake of elections, as peace is paramount and the most important tool in every society.

 

Kefas Agbu returned home to seek the blessings of his people in respect to the 2023 general elections. He was received at Hyuku town amidst jubilation, cultural dances from different dance troops and praise singers in Wukari.

 

Supporters from within and outside Wukari turned out in their numbers to welcome him home and also show solidarity and support for him.

 

In his address Kefas Agbu thanked the people of Wukari for the warm reception even though wukari is his home. He thanked all his supporters who came from far and near to give him a resounding welcome.

 

Kefas agbu expressed his gratitude to God and the people of Wukari, He said "it is a glorious day and I am grateful to the almighty.

 

"However, this is not a visit for campaign as campaigns have not yet started, but the love you all showed me today, God'swilling 2023 if we all come out in our numbers to vote and God gives us victory, I will show you all love more than that which you have all shown me today. By Gods grace hunger, poverty and hardships bedeviling our country will be far from your homes "

 

He assured the people of Wukari and Taraba State at large, that total peace would be experienced in Taraba, when he comes out victorious, as all tribes and religion will live in peace and harmony.

 

He however advise the people of Wukari and Taraba that as they have come out in their numbers to welcome him home, they should make sure they all go and get registered to obtain their Permanent Voters Card against the next election.

 

Lt.Colonel Kefas Agbu used his homecoming occasion as an opportunity to introduce his running mate, Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, a mumuye man from Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State

 

Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, pledged his total support for his running mate, Col.Kefas Agbu. He said" I shall give the incoming governor (Inshallah) all the support he needs and more as his deputy and running mate. May God shower his blessings upon us and on the entire people of People Democratic Party,PDP."

 

In same vein, the Tiv people of Taraba State have declared support for Lt. Col. Agbu Kefas the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

The Tiv stakeholders in the state, led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Bridget Twar declared the open support for Kefas when they paid a solitary visit to him in Jalingo.

 

Twar said they were in the candidate's residence to support him and also seek his assistance to facilitate the return of displaced Tiv people to their ancestral homes in the state.

 

According to her, the return of displaced Tiv people, especially in the Wukari local government area, will enhance participatory democracy in next year's polls.

 

Also speaking, President General Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Taraba State, Chief Joshua Ayagwa assured the PDP flag bearer of their votes from Takum, Ibi, Wukari, Gassol, Donga, Gashaka, Kurmi and Bali local government areas.

 

He, however, noted that the Tiv support for Kefas in 2023 will be more effective when the people who were displaced during the Jukun/Tiv crisis are back in their homes.

 

"It is when they are back to their ancestral homes that we will be talking to them with confidence on the side of peace and support for your governorship ambition.

 

 "At the moment, I have to go to Jortar and Kyado in Benue State to meet them there and it is not a comfortable arrangement for such a political engagement.

 

"We don't have any doubt regarding your capacity to steer Taraba state in the right direction. We know your love for peace and unity and we are sure you will deploy that in managing the diversity of Taraba," he said.

 

Responding, Kefas noted that he will bring on board policies and programmes that will speed up development in the state and unite the people.

 

"I am delighted by your visit. This can best be described as a family affair. The Jukun and Tiv people are one and I wondered why conflicts between the two closely tied ethnic groups have not found a lasting solution.

 

"I am an apostle of peace and justice and I will ensure justice for all manners of people in Taraba state prevails, irrespective of religion, tribe and region if elected.

 

"The issue of resettling the displaced Tiv people, particularly in Wukari is a serious issue that must be approached with tact and caution, bearing in mind that the crisis has lingered on for many generations.

 

"Resettling the Tiv people of Taraba as well as any displaced persons in the state is a task that must be done, but we have to approach it with caution. If we ask the displaced persons to come back now, without preparation -without putting certain things in place, we might be putting their lives at risk.

 

"The people will be resettled not only on the basis of voting but for their welfare and future. We should be looking at a permanent solution, not a situation whereby people come back and in the next five or 10 years, they begin to run helter-skelter. Achieving permanent peace is a collective responsibility and together we can do it," he said.

 

Explaining further, Kefas recalled how his intervention and disposition for justice and fair play ended the age-long dispute between Ijaw and the Itsekiri in the Niger Delta, adding that, "if I can achieve that feat in a 'foreign land,' I can achieve much more for my people in Taraba," Kefas said.