Js Tarka: The Life of a Charismatic Leader

By Richard Tersoo Mnenga

JS Tarka occupies a unique place in the history of regionalism and nationalism in Nigeria among Nigerias historical greats: Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and Zik; while also in a class of his own.

In this book, the author reveals a political enigma and leader, his exemplary vision, aura, political sagacity, transformational charismatic leadership and the attractive personality that endeared him to his political contemporaries and the masses of the geographical geopolitical area referred to as Middle Belt.

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, the father of the Middle Belt politics, while he lived, pursued the good of his people in every way he could. His belief in political alliance and unity were central to the unity of the North and its political domination of that historic era. Unity was his religion, what he lived, fought, and died for. He was a great man whose contributions to Nigerias development were remarkable.

It would not be an understatement to say that JS was the founder of the National Party of Nigeria and was able to bring all the minorities in Nigeria within the party. The entire Western Nigeria was won by UPN, the East by NPP, and the far North by PRP and GNPP. Shagaris presidency was decided by the minorities in Nigeria because of Tarka.

From opposition politics to national statesmanship, Joseph Tarka grew to become one of Nigerias historic greats. He remains one of Nigerias greatest men.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Sep 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524593599

Richard Tersoo Mnenga

Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga was born in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State where both his parents were teachers. After his primary education at Anendah Memorial Nursery and Primary School, he proceeded to the famous St. Andrews Secondary School Adikpo for his post primary education, and thereafter, went to the Bayero University Kano where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. His quest for higher education took him to the University of Basel, Switzerland where he obtained a masters degree in Peace and Conflicts Transformation with flying colours. He started active national politics when he joined other patriotic Nigerians to participate in the activities of Campaign for Democracy CD, a pro – democracy group that fought military dictatorship in Nigeria. As a result of the courageous manner at which Alhaji M.D. Yusufu challenged the military self-succession bid by coming out to contest the presidency against General Sani Abacha, he championed a forum, Youth Solidarity for MD Yusufu where he was the National Coordinator. Following the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, Richard joined forces with like-minds to form the Concerned Nigeria Democratic Youth Forum and was made National President. The forum organized numerous seminars nationwide encouraging Nigerians to participate in the electioneering process in the face of apathy by many who doubted the sincerity due to their previous experiences. In 2003, he was made the Benue State Coordinator of Youth Awareness Group for Rimi 2003, the non-partisan youth wing of Abubakar Rimi presidential campaign organization. However, Rimi’s inability to get the PDP presidential ticket took him to the Buhari Organization TBO where he has pitched tent till today. In 2007 general election, he was the National Organizing Secretary, youth wing of The Buhari Organization before the dissolution of the body. In 2011, he was the National Organizing Secretary, Congress for Progressive Change CPC and served in the media and publicity, North Central, Contact and mobilization committees of the CPC presidential campaign team. In the 2015 general election, he served in the media and communication directorate of the APC presidential campaign council. Richard has written many articles in national dailies and is a registered researcher with national archives Kaduna. In 2012, the Universal Peace Federation in collaboration with Youth Federation for World Peace bestowed on him the ‘’Peace Ambassador’’ award. The Mbaiwen traditional council of Nanev in Kwande Local Government also turbaned him as the ‘’Onov Ikyundu U Mbaiwen’’ in 2016. He is currently a member of governing council, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa state and resides in Kaduna - Nigeria.

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Copyright © 2016 by Richard Tersoo Mnenga.

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CONTENTS

Dedication

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Prelude

Chapter 1 Tiv Nation at a Glance The Origin of the Tiv

Chapter 2 The Social Misconception about Tiv Hospitality

Chapter 3 Who Is J. S. Tarka? Profile

Chapter 4 Emergence as the Political Leader of the Tiv Nation

Chapter 5 About Middle Belt Middle Belt: Myth or Reality

Chapter 6 Gaffe

Chapter 7 His New Mission How Young J. S. Started Work For One North

Chapter 8 Tarka’s Involvement in the Formation of NPN

Chapter 9 JS Tarka and ’79 Election

Chapter 10 Shehu Shagari in Benue State

Chapter 11 Tarka a Charismatic Leader Benue Politics in the Second Republic

Chapter 12 After Tarka’s Demise

Chapter 13 The Youth and Sustenance of Democracy and National Unity

Chapter 14 Tarka’s Political Misfortunes Daboh vs Tarka

Chapter 15 The ’77 Constitutional Conference

Chapter 16 On Northern Unity Arewa Consultative Forum And The Task Ahead

Chapter 17 The Tarka Legacy and His Place in Nigerian History

Appendices

Epilogue

References and Bibliography

About the Author

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the

late Honourable A. A. Mnenga

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An academic, a seasoned administrator, public servant, community leader, an orator and author, a practical democrat and philanthropist, for his concern to give me a proper political orientation, his upbringing that has given me the knowledge to carry out this tedious work. He was the person in whom I confided all my political activities. He was one of the associates of Chief J. S. Tarka.

FOREWORD

It gives me pleasure to comment on this book, the biography of my dear friend, the late Chief J. S. Tarka, who answered God’s call on 30 March 1980 immediately after the return of democracy in our great country, Nigeria.

Tarka was a true nationalist, a charismatic leader, and mass mobiliser; a detribalised Nigerian, who fought tooth and nail for the unity of our great country, Nigeria. We had the opportunity to work together as parliamentarians when we were both elected into the Federal House of Representatives in 1954. Chief J. S. represented Jemgbah Constituency in Benue Province, while I represented Yabo Constituency in Sokoto Province. We worked again together as members of the Federal Executive Council in General Gowon’s government as federal commissioners when he later resigned on 2 August 1974.

I found J. S., as we used to call him, a good friend and colleague. Even when he was in opposition, we were very close and could always share ideas together. Our joint decision to work together in the Northern Consultative Committee, a pan Northern organisation that was formed to reunite and reconcile all political rivals in the North to live as one people, was a total confirmation that the late senator suspended his agitation for a Middle Belt region in order to work for the unity of the North in the context of One Nigeria. The Northern Consultative Committee was initiated by the then governor of the region, Col Hassan Usman Katsina, when he realised that the unity of the North was at stake; and decided to call on all political leaders of the region to come and work together irrespective of their political persuasions.

J. S. Tarka did his best in uniting the Northern Region. He toured the northern states together with Mallam Aminu Kano, the erstwhile NEPU leader; and Alhaji Makaman Bida, the most senior surviving NPC leader. Alhaji Umaru Dikko was their secretary.

After the tour, a consultative committee was formed to work toward the unity of northern Nigeria in the context of the Nigerian Federation. Each of these three leaders nominated five among his supporters to form the committee and champion the cause of northern unity. I happened to be one of the members representing the NPC in that committee.

The Northern Consultative Committee later embraced other interest groups in other parts of the country, and transformed into a national movement which later gave birth to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

His contributions to my election as the first democratically elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. This can be seen in the results of the election where I secured the highest number of votes from Benue State. J. S.’s charismatic leadership did not only deliver Benue State for me and my party, but also led my presidential campaign team in the north-eastern states of the federation.

I always remember the launching of my campaign in Makurdi where he presented two cows to me, and demanded that the Tiv should no longer be called ‘Munci’, as they‘ve already paid the cattle said to have been given to them by the Fulanis. This was in recognition of the fact that Tiv and Fulanis belong to the same birthplace, ‘One indivisible North’.

I always remember his death as one of my saddest moments in life. Having worked together for many years, we became very close to each other. To the best of my knowledge, J. S. suspended the idea of Middle Belt region before his sudden demise which we received with great shock.

I commend the author, Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga, for his efforts and concern in the task of finding solutions to the problem of maintaining the unity of the region. He is a courageous young man with a mission and vision. The book has also revealed the measures taken by my administration to serve the interests of the good people of Benue State. I greatly appreciate the acknowledgement.

I recommend this book to all who love Nigeria, especially our young and aspiring politicians particularly in the North. Let us come together in peace and friendship to settle our differences rather than threatening to disunite. As rightly stressed by the author, the northern traditional set-up is strong and indivisible.

This book should be a guide to the youth as well as the elders who wish to understand issues of great importance to the North in particular, and Nigeria in general.

J. S. Tarka, my good friend and committed democrat, will continue to be remembered and respected by all who have had the pleasure to associate with him. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

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16/1/2006

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am, first of all, grateful to the Almighty God for aiding my parents to give me the basic education, especially my sweet mother, Mrs Patricia Mbakeren Mnenga (of blessed memory). Our father, fondly called F. K. was passionate about our education, and ensured we got the best.

I started this work six years back with an inspiration by Professor Ahmadu Usman Jalingo who was teaching in the department of Political Science, Bayero University Kano, but is now the vice-chancellor, Taraba State University. He taught us a lot about Chief J. S. Tarka. As a principal actor in the politics of the First and Second Republics, he had worked very closely with the late senator, and a host of other prominent Nigerians.

My quest to know what he stood, fought, and died for influenced me to start this tedious project which has made me to encounter many personalities who had a very cordial working relationship with the late leader.

My warmest appreciation goes to His Excellency, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari (Turakin Sokoto) former executive president, Federal Republic of Nigeria, who did not only write the foreword, but also provided me with some fundamental information to enrich my work.

I am also grateful to Alhaji Umaru Dikko, who revealed to me in details the involvement of Chief J. S. in the Northern Consultative Committee; his encounter with Godwin Daboh that led to his resignation as a federal commissioner.

Several other people contributed in enriching my work. They include Professor Dahiru Yahaya of History Department, Bayero University, Kano; Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, former sultan of Sokoto; Alhaji Kaloma Ali (of blessed memory); Mr Gbongbon Gbaagile, a retired teacher with the Benue State Government; Chief Mrs Keziah Agundu, former chairman Ushongo local government of Benue State; Alhaji Adamu Fika (former secretary to the Government of the Federation); and Hon. Aondoakaa Orga.

This project would not have been successfully carried out without the financial assistance from Alhaji M. D. Yusufu, former Inspector General of Police; Comrade Shehu Sani, Executive Director, Civil Rights Congress; Mallam Uba Sani, former special assistant to President Obasanjo on Public Affairs; Hon. M. S. Ibrahim representing Kaduna North in the Federal House of Representatives; and Hon. Jubril Tafida, Vice-Chairman, Kaduna North local government also rendered some assistance.

I received a lot of encouragement from people to execute this project. They include Dr Yusuf Maitama Sule, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, former Inspector General of Police; Chief Sunday Awoniyi, former Chairman Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF); Dr Olusola Saraki, the Doyen of Nigerian Politics; Alhaji Liman Ciroma, former secretary to the Government of the Federation; Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, Hussaini Dodo, who as ADC to Governor Bafarawa, always aided me to see him throughout my visit to Sokoto for the project.

Others are Mohammed Girei of the State Security Service (SSS); Alhaji Lawal Ismaila Abdullah, former Commissioner of Agriculture, Kaduna State; Alhaji Mahdi Shehu, Secretary General, Bridge Builders Association of Nigeria; Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir (Magatakarda Babba), Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Sokoto State; Arc David Umah, National Organising Secretary, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP); Dr Junaidu Mohammed; Dr J. T. Orkar; Mallam Ahmad Yakassai of Chemistry Department, Bayero University (BUK), Kano; Mallam Mansour Kuliya, Makaila Kashimbila of Physics Department (BUK); and Engrs Peter Ashiekaa and Steve Akange, both of Hajaij Construction Company, Kano.

I am most grateful to my role model, godfather, and mentor, His Excellency, General Muhammadu Buhari who always offered me pounded yam to give me the strength to do more work. I remember distinctly one scorching afternoon when I was offered nono in his Daura residence that made me sleep over for few minutes; an act that threw his Fulani kinsmen into excitement.

In the same vein, Alhaji Dr Mohammed Abubakar Rimi (Turakin Rimi) former Executive Governor of old Kano State who not only encouraged me to execute the project, but linked me to some appropriate authorities. He offered numerous useful suggestions on how to properly go about the work.

Some of my colleagues in the civil society stood by my side to see this work completed. They include Alhaji Abdul Isiaq Ahmed—National President, Joint Northern Youth Association; Alhaji N. A., Sherif of the Arewa Youth Development Foundation; Comrade Suleiman Umar Ahmed of the Civil Rights Congress; Comrade Joseph Mtom Aondona of the Middle Belt Youth Forum; Comrade Keneth Hembe, former President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); Mallam Yarima Shettima of PRONACO; Hon. Alex Baidi, Deputy Executive Director of Northern Development Initiative; Comrade Martin Igwe; Dr Umar Tanko Yakassai of National Youth Council of Nigeria; Bashir Baballe, NANS President. Others are Comrade Shehu Kura, Aliyu Abba Aminu Mansour, Mohammed Ibrahim (Allawee), A. S. Abdulkadir (Baba), Ibrahim Sani Madugu (Emir), Mallam Hassan Ahmed, and Sulayman Dauda Daura, Sarki Musa Sarki, who were my former colleagues in student unionism.

I also recognise all the Benue staff in Bayero University Kano, especially Chief Gabriel Akever Agah, Chief Joshua Akanyi, Dr Raymond Anchaver, and Mr Ogiri Obute, who were of great use to me throughout my stay in the university.

I also appreciate my schoolmates: Mr Hongor Ver, Noah Abie, Uncle David Annor who are now all lecturers with the College of Education, Katsina Ala in Benue State, Mr Terzungwe Orndiir, Lt Emmanuel Agaku, Christian Akaayaar, Zaki Joseph Agayo, Pius Shagba, Thomas Tertsea Anal, Maxwel Ogiri, Otse Ogori, Grace Iveren Ikpa, Titus James Ayerga, Theresa Member Uji, Hon. Raymond Ichoghol, John Adeke, Zaki Simeon Adeke, Catherine Mnena Abah, Austine Dooga, Winnie Agashua, Ortwer Dam, and Eugene Tarkighir (Sir Zeez).

My acknowledgement will be incomplete if I fail to recognise the following people who have done a lot of good to me in life. They include Mr Mike Aondoakaa, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice; Mr Charles Yau Adu, my headmaster at Anendah Memorial Nursery and Primary School Adikpo, Benue State, who taught us how to speak and write good English; Mr Augustine Shaminja of Benue State University; Mr George Kur; Christopher Kighir; Mr Chris Chelen; Engr Amos Anendah; Moses Chelen; Terna Kandeor; Charles Orduen Akosu; Douglas Kachi; Jerry Wayo; Emmanuel Msugh Aberagi; Mr A. O. Abah, who was my form master in the secondary school; Azege Nkem; Anyor Ahundu Agela; Hajiya Aminatu Mshelia; Mrs Victoria Tarbo; Mr James Achi; Mrs Rebecca Garba; and Engr Dondo Ahire, Chief Operating Officer, Oando Plc.

Some of my family members did their best to support me in one way or the other. They include Mr Germanus Mnenga of blessed memory, Mrs Paulina Gberikon, Mr and Mrs Hilary Ikima, Miss Julia Mnenga of blessed memory, Mr and Mrs Chris Nyiekpoghul, Miss Fidelia Mnenga, Mrs Felicia Hembafan Gbaagile, Mr Nyam Mua, Mr Jonathan Ibya, Mr Aondona Mnenga of blessed memory, Mr Paul Mnenga, Mr and Mrs Joseph Mnenga, Mr Thomas Mnenga, Matthew Dzwa Mnenga, Hon. Ayoosu Ikyor, Andrew Baaki, Mrs Rose Kwagh, and Terungwa Sabe.

Also to be acknowledged are all the lecturers of Political Science Department, Bayero University, Kano, especially Dr Shehu Dalhatu, Professor Kamilu Fagge (HOD), Alhaji Abubakar Jika Jiddere, Mallam M. M. Yusuf, Mallam M. Muazzam, Mallam Abdulmalik Awwal, Mr Moses Alueigba, Dr Habu Mohammed, and Dr Haruna Salihu.

Finally, I appreciate the efforts of Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi (Maradin Katsina, Hakimin Kurfi) and former Executive Secretary, Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) Prof. Ibrahim Bello Kano of English Department, Bayero University Kano; Mallam Sheriff Ahmed, Associate Editor of New Nigeria Newspapers; Comrade Tonnie Vynsnt Damkor; and Offiaji Dele-Israel Ikeorha who offered to read the manuscript and contributed useful suggestions.

For those whose names have not appeared here for lack of space, they should bear with me. I pray to the Almighty God to reward them abundantly.

Richard Tersoo Mnenga

4/7/2009

PROLOGUE

The Nigeria State would not have been a reality if not for certain personalities. They sacrificed their time, energy, resources, and most importantly, their lives to gain freedom for Nigeria from the colonialists. This is what we are now enjoying.

Our nationalists joined forces together, and fought for our independence which was granted on 1 October 1960 with the establishment of an indigenous government. It is an established fact that regional and ethnic politics later came to the fore and almost undermined our purpose of independence, but all our nationalists left a legacy for us. They offered selfless services to their fatherland; a legacy that has given us a challenge to consolidate.

Northerners will ever live to be grateful to Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto) for what he did to them during his short-lived tenure as the premier of Northern Region. The same thing applies to the West for what Chief Obafemi Awolowo did to them just as Easterners cannot forget Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

May I use this avenue to pay tribute to the following founders of Nigeria:

NORTHERN NIGERIA

1. Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto)

2. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

3. Chief J. S. Tarka

4. Sir Kashim Ibrahim

5. Pastor David Lot

6. Michael Audu Buba

7. Aliyu Makaman Bida

8. Muhammadu Ribadu

9. Inwa Wada

10. Musa Yar’adua

11. Isa Kaita

12. Shehu Shagari

13. Maitama Sule

14. Aminu Kano

15. Saadu Zungur

16. Chief J. C. Obande

17. Tanko Yakassai

18. Zanna Bukar Dipchanima

19. Waziri Ibrahim

WESTERN NIGERIA

1. Obafemi Awolowo

2. Samuel Ladoke Akintola

3. Rotimi Williams

4. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti

5. Herbert Macaulay

6. Dr Moses Majekodunmi

7. Chief T. O. S. Benson

8. Adegoke Adelabu

EASTERN NIGERIA

1. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe

2. Dr Michael Okpara

3. Francis Akanu Ibiam

4. Dr K. O. Mbadiwe

5. Chief Nwafor Orizu

SOUTHERN NIGERIA

1. Chief Denis Osadabey

2. Chief Festus Okotie Eboh

3. Dappa Biriye

4. Eyo Ita

5. Okoi Arikpo

6. Anthony Enahoro

7. Chief Melford Okilo

8. Mrs Margaret Ekpo

9. Chief Mathew Mbu

TECHNOCRATS

1. Jeromi Udoji

2. Edwin Ogbu

3. Ahmadu Kurfi

4. Simeon Adebo

5. S. O. Wey

6. Abdul Azeez Atta

7. C. O. Lawson

8. Liman Ciroma

9. Ahmed Talib

10. Bukar Shuaib

All these people worked selflessly for the emergence and survival of Nigeria as a sovereign state.

J. S. Tarka was one of the Northerners who fought the NPC controlled Northern Regional Government. He agitated for the creation of a Middle Belt region to give a sense of belonging to northern minorities; a cause he paid dearly for. His opposition to the northern regional government left his kinsmen (the Tiv people) in wanton neglect, and this compelled the charismatic leader to retrace his steps in the second place in a spectral reconciliatory move that saw Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the first executive president of Nigeria.

In writing this book, I will be upsetting some people who have shared contrary views but I look at it as one of the task of writing a biography, and it will pose a challenge to anyone to put down his opinion just as I have done. There are several other works on J. S. Tarka but mine is more of his mission, and what he really stood for when he met his untimely death.

My motive of writing this biography include the following:

1. To record some fundamental issues about the Tiv nation and the contemporary Nigeria. I deem it fit to enlighten some people who have certain misconceptions about the Tiv people. That’s why I have made it the first chapter in the book.

2. To show the reason why Tarka rose to become the political leader of the Tiv people and Middle Belt in general. This came at the time when there were other politicians, but his entrance gave him an edge over them.

3. To know what Tarka really stood for. Did he oppose the Hausa/Fulani and the north until he died or he stood for One North? Further writings in the book will explain these, and his disposition before death.

4. To know what was instrumental for his inability to clinch the presidency. Was it the religious factor as was widely speculated by some of his kinsmen? My research findings have provided an answer to this.

5. To know why the defunct rivals in the north later came together to work under one platform, the Northern Consultative Committee, and later the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

6. Lastly, to find solutions and reasons why the North is not united like in days of our founding fathers. That is why I have included the paper which Fr Mathew Hassan Kukah presented at the ACF seminar in the appendices. It contains most of the problems that are threatening the north, and Nigeria in general.

As I earlier said, some people may feel uncomfortable with my submissions, but that is the challenge I have to face as a writer. Anyone is free to write what one feels is correct.

The book outlines Tarka’s political activities and what he stood for. If in the process of making some revelations anybody is hurt, I regret it.

Nigeria is in the process of transition. Historically, this had always been a very horrid, traumatic, and particularly hard to forget experience. Should we attribute the inability of Nigeria in practising a successful democracy since independence to greed, insatiable lust for power, psychological shock caused by sudden-found power, and the parasitic disposition of our political office holders? Or, should we accept the universal belief by political scientists and commentators who attribute this to the desire of the military or a political cabal to stay in power? Your guess is as good as mine.

Nigeria, all these while, has never ever sadly succeeded in transferring power from one democratically elected government to another. That this has had a remarkable negative effect on our body politic and socio-economic development is at best an understatement.

For democracy to stand the test of time, we must without choice, embrace political tolerance. We will similarly have to imbibe principled politics which stands diametrically opposed to thuggery, arson, murder, deceit, gerrymandering, and other acts of electoral larceny. We will need to be sticklers for political ideology with clearly defined goals.

Constructive dialogue, in the same vein, has to be an integral part of our social culture when it comes to resolving differences that might exist between us; differences, which if allowed to persist, might very well degenerate into violent face-offs with the potential of permanently rifting us apart. Engaging our problems through political means in keeping with the universally established fact that dialogue, but definitely not violence, hostilities, or war holds the best and lasting way to bring about peace.

This book should educate our modern politicians on how to play politics of tolerance and selflessness as demonstrated by Chief J. S. Tarka in the second republic.

It is a very difficult task to write a full and lengthy biography of J. S., and a study of his style and thought. No doubt, the Tarka Institute, founded to commemorate his name and achievements will also explore this field together with that of African political thought and experience in general.

But in this general short study, we can only take a few aspects of his style, and relate them to the key events and issues of political life, especially his decision to work for the North. It is a fact that the unity of the North is the key to national unity. If we can come together by consensus to resolve our differences rather than threatening to divide, truly we shall build a stable federation.

PRELUDE

Before the amalgamation of the Niger lands by the British to give birth to Nigeria, Tiv people, very much like the other composite tribes of the geographical area that became known as Nigeria, had lived very much like distinct sovereign nations. The advent of the British colonial master, however, changed this status quo completely; and the Tiv, first of all found themselves in the northern protectorate; and later, through rechristening in the northern region alongside the Fulanis, Hausas, Nupes, Kanuris, Beroms, Angas, Tangales, Gwaris et al. with whom they have a lot in common.

Independence saw the Tiv in Benue Province together with Jukun, Fulanis, Kutebs, Aragos et al. With the advent of the creation of states following the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war, Tiv were lumped together with the other tribal groups in Benue-Plateau state; yet again in the former northern protectorate, nay region. Today, Tiv people are to be found in Benue-Plateau, Nasarawa, and Taraba states, all of which are located in the northern part of Nigeria.

The Tiv are a very sociable people whose hospitality knows no bounds. There is active intermarriage between the Tiv and their many neighbours, cementing even further the camaraderie existing between them.

The Tiv may be largely stateless with leadership rarely going beyond family or clan headship; but they are certainly not apolitical, embracing tenaciously fair play and justice, but rejecting most stridently straitjacketing and leadership impositions.

CHAPTER ONE

Tiv Nation at a Glance The Origin of the Tiv

The Tiv people, the most socialized and hospitable ethnic group in Nigeria, are today found to be indigenes of Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Benue states.

While it is very difficult to pointedly say how the Tiv first came on earth, they are said to have emigrated from (Congo) Central Africa from the Bantu speaking people to Swem near Cameroon; through a man called Takuruku. The said Takuruku got married to Ayaaya, and gave birth to Tiv. Tiv was married to Aliwe, and they gave birth to three children, two males and one female; namely Ipusu, Ichongo, and Anadedem. Their sister, Anadedem, disappeared as she was said to have died during the tedious process of migration.

The Tiv people now exist in two segments; the Ichongo and Ipusu. Ichongo comprises Ugondo, Nongov, Iharev, Masev, Ikyurav, and Turan. Ipusu comprises Shitile, Ukum, Kpar, Tongov.¹ These groups now constitute what is called Tiv nation.

Oral history has it that Tiv decided to leave Congo during an attack mounted on them by the Congolese, and they were provided with a mysterious snake (Ikyalem) that formed a bridge across the river Congo. They left and crossed the Congo River on the back of this snake. Till today, the Tiv do not kill this snake neither will they stand by to