Tiv Community in Kogi State has conferred the title of ‘The Bridge of Tiv Nation With Kogi State’ on the speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf.
Conferring the position, the community’s traditional ruler in the State, Chief Moses Vor said it was in recognition of the Speaker’s demonstration of love for them, noting that he had accepted them as his people prior to, during and after the election that produced him as member of the state Assembly and subsequently as a speaker.
According to the traditional ruler, their close affinity has given him and his people a sense of belonging in Kogi State, and appealed to Rt. Hon Yusuf to accept and guide them through pathways of Kogi politics.
He assured the speaker of their unalloyed loyalty at all times, even as he added that they would always do Rt. Hon Yusuf’s bidding in all elections as the November 11th gubernatorial polls draw near.
Responding, the speaker expressed joy at being in the midst of the Tiv Community in Kogi State, stating that he felt pride in the fact that the group is the first he had received on a courtesy call since his emergence as speaker.
Rt. Hon Yusuf recalled that the Tiv in the state contributed in no small measure in his electoral success, saying that they were the only ethnic group that contributed both financially and physically to his campaign.
The speaker recalled that his immediate elder brother is Benue based, having lived all his life there, stating that he was not surprised because he had known the Tiv people to be hard working and dedicated to whatever they put their minds to.
He urged them to remain steadfast in their support of the ruling APC, and reminded them one of their own, George Akume is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, a reason they should always work for the ruling party.
He further assure them that Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is a man that rewards hard work, a further reason why they should remain solidly behind the APC at all times.