By Dr Emmanuel Ologun, Abuja
The ETSU of chukuku community, a suburb of Kuje Area Council in the FCT, has crowned a veteran journalist and Ortar Tiv, Chief Donald Iorchir as its new traditional ruler, the Wakilin of Chukuku.
The coronation and presentation of staff of office which took place at the weekend was performed by the indigenous traditional ruler of Chukuku Community, Alhaji Jibrin Sarki.
The event also drew traditional leaders, community members, and well-wishers who gathered to witness the installation of the Blueprint Newspaper and Kuje Area Council correspondent as a traditional leader.
In his remarks, Alhaji Sarki urged the Tiv people to respect the customs and traditions of their host community and live peacefully with their neighbours regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He also charged the new Chief to be a bridge between the Tiv community and other groups in Chukuku, emphasising peaceful coexistence as key to development.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Iorchir thanked the Kuje Traditional Council for the recognition and expressed gratitude to God for the successful coronation after a one-year postponement.
“This thing was supposed to happen about a year ago, but it was postponed. I thank God that it is now finalised today,” he said.
The new Wakilin of chukuku said his priority would be to unite the Gbagyi, non-indigenes, and Tiv people in Chukuku to foster peace and development.
“What I want is unity. We must cooperate with one another and develop together. Without peace, there can be no progress in our community,” he told newsmen.
Chief Iorchir also spoke on the role of traditional institutions, calling for their constitutional recognition.
“We are at the grassroots. We are the ones who know what is happening in the communities and can tell government. If the traditional institution is included in the constitution, we will be very happy,” he said.
The coronation marks a new chapter for the Tiv community in Chukuku as it seeks stronger integration with its host community and a united front for growth in Kuje Area Council.