By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Groups under the auspices of Leaders and Representatives of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and farming communities of the Benue Valley Region, resident in Nasarawa State, has argued that continued legal battle between the Nasarawa State Government, Governor Abdullahi Sule and Prof. Zacharys Gundu is capable of raising fresh tension which would instead undermine confidence in the sustainability of peace in the region.
Against this background, the leaders have appealed to the Emir of Lafia, HRH Sidi Bage and the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse to intervene in the ongoing court case between the Government of Nasarawa State, Governor Sule and Prof. Zacharys Gundu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mkar, Benue State.
The leaders’ position contained in a letter titled Passionate Appeal for Fatherly and Urgent Intervention, addressed to the Emir of Lafia and the Tor Tiv through the Nasarawa State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signed on behalf of the groups by the President, United Farmers Association Kadarko (UFAK), Chief Dennis Gbongbon and Secretary Ayuba Bako, released to journalists on Thursday in Makurdi, expressed the belief that as revered fathers and custodians of socio-cultural heritage as well as those that hold enduring symbols of peace in their respective states, their timely intervention would bring about peace.
They equally expressed worry that the matter currently pending before the FCT High Court Abuja is capable of reigniting tension as well as truncate the fragile peace that is gradually returning to affected communities, expressing optimism that the matter could be resolved amicably outside the courtroom by engaging the two parties.
The group leaders in the statement lamented that rather than fostering reconciliation, healing and economic recovery, the litigation has rather generated anxiety among residents, farmers and displaced persons who are striving to rebuild their lives.
Gbongbon, on behalf of the leaders, appealed to the traditional rulers to as respected authorities and fathers of peace to rise to the challenge by initiating mediation in the matter, with a view to restoring lasting peace, harmony, and unity in the affected communities and the wider Benue Valley Region.
