The Gassol community in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State has rejected the state government’s move to create a new chiefdom to be known as Kwararafa within the community.
However, Governor Darius Ishaku has justified the move, saying that creation of the new chiefdoms which is not peculiar to the Gassol community was done to correct past injustices meted on people of various communities.
Making the rejection known at a press conference in Jalingo, the state Capital, spokesperson of the community and a former Senator, Ibrahim Goje said the people of the area rather wanted peace and development at the moment.
He said the Gassol traditional council was established by Emir of Muri Hammadu in 1897, and that past administrations from Northern Nigeria; North-East, Gongola and now Taraba state have maintained the chiefdom.
According to him, the people of the chiefdom have common history and culture, which he argued the government ought to respect.
“Taraba state government from all indication is not ready to meet the yearnings and aspiration of the people by providing them with social amenities as the case in other states, but only concentrating in creation of chiefdom which will only divide the people,” Mr Goje stated.
But, when the Governor received leaders of Kente from Wukari Local Government Area who were on a thank-you visit at the Government House in Jalingo, he said the recent development would now pave way for the sharing of responsibilities from traditional rulers for administrative convenience.
According to the Governor, what is top of his agenda of governing the state was to develop the state, efforts at which he said needed the collaboration of all stakeholders for him to succeed.
The Governor, therefore, called on the Chief of Kente, Sabo Ezeikwe to ensure that peace is maintained peace in his domain, as he wished him a successful reign.
In his remarks earlier, Mr Ezeikwe said they were on the visit to thank the Governor, for upgrading the traditional stool of Kente to a third Class status.
He noted that the promotion had been what have for a long time anticipated, saying the people were happy that the dream has come true.
While describing the action of the Governor as one that has made him stand out among his counterparts, Ezeikwe gave assurances that his foams will give the Governor full support.
