Calls have been made on the Mdzough u Tiv, the apex socio cultural organization of the Tiv-speaking people of mid belt Nigeria to restructure its leadership as many believe that the concentration of the organization's leadership in Benue State is responsible for its resistance in some states like Nasarawa and Taraba. A former President of the MUT in Sabon Gari, Keffi in Nasarawa State Comrade Emmanuel Iorlaha, made the call recently in an open letter to Tor Tiv V, Prof. James Iorzua gAyatse (Begha u Tiv), noting that, "Many Tiv communities in the diaspora desire a greater sense of inclusion and participation in the affairs of the apex socio-cultural organisation." He explained, "During my tenure as President of Mdzough U Tiv, Sabon Gari Keffi, Nasarawa State, I carried out informal consultations to understand why the association was facing significant resistance in Nasarawa State." He said there had been several suggestions by some Tiv leaders that Mdzough U Tiv Sabon Gari Keffi be renamed Tiv Development Association (TIDA)." He said the people explained that "TIDA was the only Tiv socio-cultural association officially recognised by the Nasarawa State Government and argued that changing the name would provide greater recognition and other advantages." On further enquiry he said, he was told that TIDA Constitution requires that anyone elected as President of the association must be willing to be buried in Nasarawa State after death, explaining that the provision was intended to strengthen the claim of Tiv people to indigeneship of Nasarawa State. "While affirming their recognition of Mdzough U Tiv as the apex Tiv socio-cultural organisation, they however expressed concerns that its leadership structure lacks inclusiveness and equitable representation for Tiv people living outside Benue State," he explained.

Posted: 2months ago

Author: Chief Editor

Current date: 14 August 2026