Tussle Over Head of Tuwan Community Put to Rest
By AMONE SUNNY AJILA
The protracted battle over
the traditional leadership of Tuwan community in Kabwir District of Kanke Local
Government Area of Plateau State came to an end recently when the Court of
Appeal sitting in Jos declared Nde Uzziel Goper Genka the rightful and
authentic Ngolong Tuwan.
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| Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, President of the Court of Appeal |
Tuwan, a predominantly
Christian community for over 100 years, was one of the first in the state to
embrace Christianity and had been living without rancor over the leadership
position until 1999 when a dispute arose and it led to litigation in court to
determine the rightful claimant of the traditional stool.
Following the judgment
delivered in Nde Genka’s favour, and to show appreciation to all those who
stood by him in his struggle, a thanksgiving service was organized by the
family and friends of the victor. The service was well-attended by prominent
clergymen, neighbouring chiefs, sons and daughters of the community and the
band squad of the Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria which led the procession to the
palace, known as Luwarm Tuwan.
Speaking at the palace where
his ancestors received the first European missionaries over 100 years ago, Nde
Genka declared that his victory in court was a true testimony of the history of
Tuwan that was on the verge of being distorted until January 16, 2017 when the
Court of Appeal ensured that justice was done and thus “calmed the storm.”
Also addressing the mammoth
crowd gathered at the palace, a former President of the Church of Christ in Nigeria
(COCIN), Rev. Dr. Musa Gotom described the court’s decision as a welcome
development. He noted that the advent of Christian missionaries in the
community in 1910 had brought tremendous progress to the area, and enjoined the
people to live together in peace and unity.
On his part, Hon. Tongshinen
Richard called on the opposing party to bury the hatchet and support the new
ruler to ensure the rapid development of the community.
“We are all brothers and we
cannot continue to be at loggerheads when we know it is what hinders
development,” Richard counseled.
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