Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Tiv Community of Ibi Local Government Area in Taraba State has installed its first substantive traditional head.
Zaki Japhet Iorapuur Mkar was crowned Ter Tiv Ibi on Saturday, following his victory in an open ballot contest.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that Zaki Japhet Mkar defeated Zaki Akenawe Saameakpe, securing six votes to Akenawe’s two. The election was conducted by eight kingmakers from the Ichongu clan, which has four sub-clans: Nonguv, Ihyarev, Ugondu, and Turan.
The kingmakers stated that their decision to support Zaki Mkar was to ensure fairness and maintain the spirit of “Ya Na Wangbian” for continuous brotherly unity. They urged all Tiv people in the area to support Zaki Mkar in attracting peace and development to the community.
Zaki Japhet Mkar described his victory as “the will of God” and a moral booster to redouble his efforts in developing the Tiv Community. “I wish to sincerely commend the entire Tiv Community of Ibi Local Government for having the confidence in me to serve. I will do all within my powers to ensure that the desire for everlasting unity among the Tiv and other ethnic groups in the local government is actualised.”
Zaki Mkar also commended the Chairman of Ibi Local Government, Hon. Iliya Muhammad Ajibu, for providing an enabling environment for the exercise. Prior to his elevation, Zaki Japhet Mkar held the acting position of Ter Tiv Ibi.
