Tor Tiv Urges 10th Benue Assembly to Put Citizens First, Enact Laws That Promote Development

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Tor Tiv, Orcivirigh Professor James Ayatse, has urged members of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly to place the interests of citizens at the center of their legislative duties.

He emphasized the need for lawmakers to resist any temptation to compromise standards, stressing the importance of enacting laws that drive meaningful development.

According to a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and ICT, Freddie Adamgbe, the Tor Tiv gave the charge at his palace in Gboko during a courtesy visit by Assembly members led by Speaker Hon. Alfred Emberga.

The paramount ruler advised the lawmakers to promote peace, unity, and progress by consistently consulting their constituents before making decisions on issues that directly affect them.

While commending their resilience in the face of insecurity in the state, the Begha u Tiv assured them of the full support and cooperation of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers in efforts to maintain peace.

He stated: “As your fathers and custodians of the culture and traditions of the people, we will always play our roles of giving you good counsel on matters that can affect our people positively. So feel free to consult us on matters where you require clarification at any time.”

The Tor Tiv also called on the legislators to strengthen collaboration with the Executive and Judiciary to ensure the state achieves its developmental goals. He particularly urged them to prioritize interventions in the education sector, especially in promoting science and technology in schools across the state.

In his remarks, Speaker Alfred Emberga informed the Tor Tiv of the leadership change in the Assembly and explained that the visit was to present themselves to him as the paramount ruler and chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.

He said the legislators were also there to seek the royal father’s blessings to enable them perform effectively as true representatives of the people. Emberga assured the Tor Tiv that the Assembly would regularly seek his counsel to enhance the quality of their legislation.

The Speaker added that as “children” of the Tor Tiv, they acknowledge their limited experience and are committed to drawing from his wisdom and guidance for the good of Benue people.

Also speaking, the Majority Leader, Hon. Thomas Dugeri, thanked the Tor Tiv for hosting them and for the warm reception accorded the Assembly. He pledged the loyalty of the lawmakers to the traditional institution and promised to heed the royal father’s counsel.

Dugeri further stressed that the 10th Assembly is committed to working in harmony with the Executive and Judiciary to promote development for the collective interest of Benue State.