SORRY

The Management of Kwande Source News wish to apologize for our inability to to update regularly, it was due to  a technical problem. we shall resume fully by next week. THANKS 

We Must Rise To our Threats- Engr. Akaakar

Engr, Bem Akaakar, the president General of Mdzough U Tiv (MUT) South-South, has called on Tiv people at home and diaspora to unite against what he called, “fundamental issues that are threatening our existence as a people”.Engr Akaakar gave this charge on 28th August , 2012, at Safari Hotel, Rumuokoro, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the civic reception organised by MUT ss in honour of deserving Tiv sons in the south.

Those honoured were Engr. Dondo Ahire- MD/CEO Lone Star Drilling Co Ltd, Port Harcourt, Brig. General Emmanuel T Nienger- Commandant, Army School of Logistics Benin, Edo State, Air Commodore Jacob A Gbawuam- Commander 337 Base Service Group Enugu, Mr Christopher Dega; then the commissioner of Police Imo state, he has been promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police and moved to Kano as Commandant Police College, this happened shortly after the honour, and  Prof David Ker- Vice Chancellor, Veritus (catholic) University of Nigeria, Obehie, Abia State.

Offering his welcome address, Engr. Akaakar revealed that, 'we are being marginalized in a way and manner that we have never before experience in our lives purportedly by a government that is supposed to be close our leaders.'

He said Tiv people have become subjects of constant massacre and that Tiv people had disappeared from federal appointments.

”When are we going to realized that the train of development has left us behind? When are we going to realized there is so much hunger in tar Tiv ? when are we going to realized the unemployment among youth is palpable”, he queried.

He  called on Tiv people to put politics aside and work for the advancement of tar Tiv. The event was well attended by many Tiv people all over the world and friends from Benue State of Nigeria.

An Elegy For Bem Usorko

Bem Usorko, one of the most celebrated madmen around Adikpo, who was the toast of politicians, is dead. He was buried 7 August,2012 some where in Shangev-ya, Kwande Local Government.

Usorko appeared around Adikpo in the early 90s with a baggage, the stuff that every madman carries...Usorko also carried in addition, what the folks now call “swagger". His swagger was peculiar.

Obviously, Usorko might be mad but he was able to develop a successful brand that earned him a status; and fame...

Since he came on the stage, there is no sitting governor of the state who had visited Adikpo and Bem, using tact or posing as some chairman, that he would not have access to.

It was fun listening to Bem bragged about his riches and positions, he also talked about highly placed friends!

Bem might be wrong on possession of riches, but he had friends. In the 90s, some Adikpo influential people would use him to either insult their opponents, or drugged ladies who were claiming extra ordinary class, and then bring him to sleep with them. In those days, they would buy new clothes for him and take him around town...

He had an accident somewhat in 2000, became disabled, took to excess alcohol there after, became dirty, deserted by all friends and died like the madman, he was!

Usorko, your simple story, a lifestyle lived almost around Adikpo, for some of us who observed it, was eventful, rest in peace, zegeor, as you wish to be regarded

An Elegy For Bem Usorko

Bem Usorko, one of the most celebrated madmen around Adikpo, who was the toast of politicians, is dead. He was buried 7 August,2012 some where in Shangev-ya, Kwande Local Government.

Usorko appeared around Adikpo in the early 90s with a baggage, the stuff that every madman carries...Usorko also carried in addition, what the folks now call “swagger". His swagger was peculiar.

Obviously, Usorko might be mad but he was able to develop a successful brand that earned him a status; and fame...

Since he came on the stage, there is no sitting governor of the state who had visited Adikpo and Bem, using tact or posing as some chairman, that he would not have access to.

It was fun listening to Bem bragged about his riches and positions, he also talked about highly placed friends!

Bem might be wrong on possession of riches, but he had friends. In the 90s, some Adikpo influential people would use him to either insult their opponents, or drugged ladies who were claiming extra ordinary class, and then bring him to sleep with them. In those days, they would buy new clothes for him and take him around town...

He had an accident somewhat in 2000, became disabled, took to excess alcohol there after, became dirty, deserted by all friends and died like the madman, he was!

Usorko, your simple story, a lifestyle lived almost around Adikpo, for some of us who observed it, was eventful, rest in peace, zegeor, as you wish to be regarded

Tse-Ikpato brukutu shop

Perhaps the most popular child ever of  Ikpato Adikpo Ademagba Ayisa was Nanevwua. As a police officer and later, the ADC to the first civilian governor of Benue State, Mr Aper Aku,  Nanev, who was christened John( actually, better known as  John Adikpo), was very popular. Although he might have had fame and wealth, but John Adikpo was not the first child of Ikpato. So many others  were older than him.

Ikpato Adikpo was selected by the Nanev elders and presented to the British colonial authorities for appointment as Tor of Nanev by the then highly respected Nanev elder, Adagi Kwaghgba of Mbakyan on 17th August 1928. Before Ikpato, the following people have been Nanev  chiefs. Adikpo Ademagba(1914 -1920), Awen(1920-1921) Jia (1921-1925), Nev (1925-28).

Colonial sources suggest that, though he was  young, Ikpato was tactful with the elders, unusually intelligent and carried out his work exceptionally well. As a chief, he married so many wives and had many children. Ayatse, Ioryue, Tarzoho, Tyohemba, Azenda, Anongo and of course Nanev ,were some of his children.

 Today,  there is at  Tse Ikpato, a large expanse of land where all the children of Ikpato are residing,   a Burukutu drinking shop. Every morning, wheel barrow pushers, Okada men, civil servants, drivers, students, pensioners, farmers, police men etc all gather to drink Burukutu. A calabash goes for as low as N20.

Adzenda, one of the children of Ikpato,   married two wives, Yandohor and Mbavihim. It was Yandohor who started the Burukutu shop. Although she is dead, her Burukutu shop lives on. Today, Happiness and Member are the  two women who take turn at the Burukutu shop.

You might consider coming to Tse Ikpato Adikpo Ademagba for fresh Burukutu

Groundnuts lead at Adikpo market

For several markets now since the harvesting season began late July, groundnuts have taken over at the lead commodity at Adikpo market.

KSN  investigation reveals that the product has atttracted buyers from all over the country. Abeg of padded groundnut since the season began has  been fluctuactin between 3500-5000.

            The ppealed groundnut have been also going for between 10,00-13,000. Information by Beranda association indicates that other products following groundnuts are Rice, Guinea corn and Locust beans.

            Padded rice has been fluctuating  between 4000-6000. Guinea corn, 8000-1000 and locust bean 10,000-13,000.

Adikpo Based Business Mogul, Akaazua Asan, For Burial

Mr. Pius Akaazua Asan, one of the richest Adikpo based Businessmen is dead. He died on 11th August, 2012.

                According to information made available to KSN by Mr Raphael Akaazua, the oldest son of the deceased , Mr Asan took ill suddenly on 21st July and was rushed to a private clinic in Adikpo. He was identified with High Blood Pressure.

                He was later moved to BSU Teaching Hospital Makurdi, where he died eventually.

                Since he came to Adikpo in 1956 according to family sources, Mr Asan has built his various business interests in and around Adikpo to an enviable height. He had various commercial interests including Housing, store keeping, and farming.

                He will be buried at Tse Abusa, Mbayar, Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government on the 7th September, 2012.

Adikpo Based Business Mogul, Akaazua Asan, For Burial

Mr. Pius Akaazua Asan, one of the richest Adikpo based Businessmen is dead. He died on 11th August, 2012.

                According to information made available to KSN by Mr Raphael Akaazua, the oldest son of the deceased , Mr Asan took ill suddenly on 21st July and was rushed to a private clinic in Adikpo. He was identified with High Blood Pressure.

                He was later moved to BSU Teaching Hospital Makurdi, where he died eventually.

                Since he came to Adikpo in 1956 according to family sources, Mr Asan has built his various business interests in and around Adikpo to an enviable height. He had various commercial interests including Housing, store keeping, and farming.

                He will be buried at Tse Abusa, Mbayar, Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government on the 7th September, 2012.

Chairmanship Election: Zoning Divides Kwande Politicians, ... Where Should The Next Chairman Come From? Turan, Ikyurav or Shanngev?

 

 

There has been palpable tension in Kwande over the issue of where the next elected council chairman will come from since Benue State Independent Electoral Commission(BSIEC) released an electoral timetable fixing the polls on 24th November, 2012.

The present Caretaker Chairman, Hon Terhile Iorchir is the 40th chairman of the  36th year old Local government, but since 1989 when Ushongo Local government was carved out of Kwande, sharing of  elective positions appear to follow a 'gentleman arrangement' among the four major clans. These clans are Ikyurav, Nanev, Shangev and Turan.

Even with this, the bulk of the past chairmen in the local government have been sole administrators, transition or caretaker chairmen. The local government has only 7 elected councils since then.  But Hon. Boniface Azer Ukende, the 20th and 4th Eelected chairman of the local government have advanced in his book, “The aftermath of Kwande Political Crisis: Focus on chairmanship Zoning” which he wrote in 2006 that “...my analysis of zoning will strictly be based on “ elected” .... chairmen of Kwande origin and not the appointees.”

He argued that, “one, the elected chairmen follow a due process of zoning, nomination and final election by the people (Ityo) to a particular component house. The process is repeated at another “turn” for another component house to go in. But the appointees assume office by the whims and caprices of the government of the day and they may not necessary be indigenes of the local government.”

Ukende noted further that, “the elected chairmen are answerable to their people (Ityo) whilst the appointees owe their loyalty and allegiance to their mentors who appointed them”. That the Kwande people, “deem appointment/ appointees as (igo toho) “ Bush pig”which is never offered on a bride. They are largesse by the government in power. They can not be considered as (igo ken ya) “domestic pig” which can be offered on a bride”

From the foregoing arguments, Hon Ukende concluded that, “going by this principle, only elective positions are counted or considered which (Ityo) the people undertake the due process of zoning, nominating and electing”

Kwande Source News investigation discover that apart from very few people who are outright against the principle of zoning, the majority of Kwande people believe in  the position advanced by Hon Ukende.

The first elected chairman from Kwande under this arrangement was Hon D D Buter. He was from Shangev-ya. His tenure lasted from1988 to1989. The next elected chairman was from Turan. His name was Akombor Ande Akombor, he lasted from 1991 to1993. The third was Hon S Agbur Kachi, Kachi was Nanev. He was in power from 1996 to 1997. In 1997, Hon Boniface Azer Ukende from Ikyurav-ya came on board as the next elected chairman. He was in power till 1997. The latter completed a round which many believed should be the sacrosanct succession formula for Kwande as regards to chairmanship elections.

From the above revelation, KSN learnt that  it was designed as a tradition by Kwande politicians that  Shangeya-ya starts, Turan follows, Nanev comes third and Ikyurav-Ya comes last to complete a “round” among the four clans, after which another round starts afresh.

When the fourth republic commenced in 1999, attempts were made by Kwande politicians to maintain this principle. But shortly after they took off, events conspired against them and have enmeshed this process in a confusion which is challenging its sacrosanct pretentions.

In 1999 Hon Denis Dzeka from Shangev-ya was elected as the fifth chairman to begin what many have called “second round”. They reasoned that after Dzeka from Shangev-ya,  then it would have been the turn of Turan. Nanev and Ikyurav following as it was laid down in the first round.

The first blow to this system was the death of Hon Dzeka in 2000 just a year into his term. Since the constitution of Nigeria and Local government laws in Benue don't recognise zoning, Dzeka's vice chairman, a man from Ikyurav-ya, Tyoule Akende took over. There was a strong argument that Ikyurav had prematurely had their turn. For by the provisions of the first round principle,  they always come last,  just after Nanev.

Hon Ukende argued against this conclusion. In his book, quoted earlier, he said, “many people will recall vividly that there was agitation as to where the second round should kick start. But it was unanimously resolved that it should go back to the initial take off point. Consequent upon that, the second round began again with Shangev-ya (Ipusu) where Hon. Denis T. Dzeka was duly elected from 29th May, 1999 to 27th August 2000(died on the seat) becoming the fifth elected chairman (and in fact the 2nd for Shangev-ya) produced in the Local  government area”

He concluded his arguments, not putting the tenure completion of   Hon Akende in to consideration, thus, “Shangev-ya now has two elected chairmen. This was the reason why without much ado the zoning for the sixth elected chairman favoured Turan (Ichongo) in the 27th March, 2004 election. This is acceptable arrangement that from Shangevya the seat normally moves to Turan.”

He said that, “in so far as the election was nullified, the vacuum created in Turan by the said nullification is still there irrespective of any appointment done in the interim”

Many people argued against this latter conclusion by Hon Ukende as it relates to March 27th 2004 election and Hon Tyoule Akende . An elder told KSN that the 2004 election brought up a “special” issue against the strict arguments for none inclusion of “appointment of Chairmen” in Kwande zoning principle as it  has been advanced by Hon Ukende  because Hon Tersur Yachiga, the presumed “winner” of the election was subsequently given his mandate. The elder who preferred to remain anonymous argued that, since it was an open secret that Hon Yachiga was the winner of the annulled election; his reinstatement was obviously the normalization of the process.

Many politicians like Dr Teen,  from Shangev Ya and Mr Bem Agbur Kachi from Nanev, believe that such arguments may be logical but, if they allowed to sail through,    will only sow seeds of discord in Kwande. Speaking in Jato Aka recently during the declaration of Hon Raymond Anumve for Chairmanship election, Dr Teen stated that what they have believed is simple, and that is the next chairman will be  coming from Turan. For according to him, they are yet to produce their second elected chairman.

Others believe that the issue of Tyoule Akende could not be ignored and moreso, if Hon Hanior Henda an Ikyurav man was sole Administrator as about this time, it were better for Kwande to maintain their sacrosanct principle by accepting that Turan were yet to produce their second elected council chairman.

When council elections were conducted in 2007 and it was not a Turan man that won, but Hon Terlumun Akputu from Nanev, the final blow to the zoning system was given. In the old arrangement, after Turan, it is Nanev, so why did Turan allow what they called their turn to go Nanev in 2007?

In a open letter to Hon Bem Tseen and the people o Kwande, a political group by name “consensus youth for the survival of Suswam/ Lawani 2011, Kwande local government Chapter, believed to be a brain child of Mr Terseer Apuu ,revealed that, “the truth remains that the Ikyurav aisxis has an overwhelming advantage over the Turan district concerning the 2012-2014 chairmanship tickect....because the Turan axis sold its chance to   Nanev Via Hon Terlumun Akputu..”, he noted that, “political elders from Turan like the likes of Ihom Chaver, Orya Korinjo to mention just but a few publicly supported Akputu who subsequently won the ticket”

Hon Bem Tseen, one of the contestants from Turan who contested against Akputu has called such arguments as “falsehood”. He told KSN that the zoning system in Kwande might be slightly affected but the Ikyurav people have no technical advantage over Turan as it relates 2012 polls. Basing his arguments on Ukende's book, he said even when Gon Gire acted as Ter Kwande for years, but  since it was the turn of Shangev, there was no arguments when he was made the substantive Ter Kwande.

He said the issue of Akende is clear. He was elected on a joint ticket with Dzeka as such, his later assumption to the chairmanship can not be viewed as an appointment. Hon Anumve who supports this position has observed that as it stands, Shangev has two elected,(Buter and Dzeka), Turan has one ( Akombor Ande), Nanev has two(Kachi and Akputu) and Ikyurav has two( Ukende and Akende).

Adding his voice,  another Kwande PDP chieftain in Jato Aka  revealed that “Hon Akpupu's brand of politics in Kwande was a novelty  in so many respects. He was forceful and intimidating. As a result, he created a lot of problems, especially for insistence to grab Turans turn. So now that he is out of the way, Kwande should quietly go back and start on the right note.

                 Secret Document

KSN has though gathered reliably from some Kwande political fathers that after the Kwande Crisis , Kwande elders attended a meeting where Turan elders agreed and signed a secret document that if  Hon Tersur Yachiga was made a Transition Chairman, they  would  admit  that  the zoning system was once again normalised. They said that was why Ikyurav people voted against Turan in 2007. All attempts to see the document proved abortive, but we gathered that all Ikyurav delegates voted for Akputu in 2007. Turan elders have argued against the existence of such a document.

Shangev ya

Hon Adzua Ashongo has told our reporters that the next chairman should come from Shangev ya in compensation to Denis Dzeka whose tenure was caught shot by death. Hon Ashongo who argued emphatically that Turan were out of the picture since they benefitted for four years before 2007 in Hon Bem Tseen and Tersur Yachiga, has gotten their turn. “do you think it was a mistake that Akputu won the election in 2007? It was a collective decision of Kwande that the Turan gets their turn which was cancelled at the nullification of the 2004”. He agreed that ordinarily, it would have been Ikyurav turn but, they benefitted Shangev turn in Akende when Dzeka died. “it was ment to be a three years term butDzeka died just a year and Akende enjoyed those years. So it has become imperative that we Shangev have our turn.”

He said when President Umaru Musa Yar Adua from the north died, PDP from this wisdom zoned the seat back to the North in compensation for the death. They noted quite rightly that, to Ashongo, that the turn of the north was truncated and so should be restored. “That was what should have happened in 2007. Shangev should have had their turn, but it was shifted to Turan and they benefitted from it, then Nanev turn came and Akputu won so now it is  only right for Ikyurav who have earlier benefitted  from Shangev turn to return it.” He argued.

Ashongo took on Turan people and argued that they have taken other clans in Kwande  for granted. “Do the Turan people think we are mad or fools? In 1999 MAT Gbande was elected house of Reps from Zone B, the seat went to Ushongo and when it returned to Kwande it went back to Turan people, so what is so strange that chairman will move from Nanev to Shangev?'” he queried. 

                    There is No Zoning

Meanwhile, so many people appear not to be interested in the zoning arguments. To them, the most credible person with  the vision to lead Kwande should be given the opportunity. Mr Tersoo Akula, one of those who believe Kwande most move forward has argued that, the time to mortgaged the the future of Kwande over frivolous issues like zoning was over. He said, Kwande people must not repeat the mistake of entrusting their future in the hands of visionless leaders.

Adding  is voice on this, Mr Ngutor Anyam, a contestant on the platform of ACN told KSN that, though it is Turans turn, he doesn't believe in zoning. He argues that zoning breeds “mediocrity”. In a chat with our reporters in his Makurdi office the suveryor said, “My party ACN is looking forward in putting their best foot forward. We believe in rendering quality services to the people.”

He also noted that as the most popular in Kwande, ACN can not give a mandate, it must be to only those who knows the weight of what ACN wish to bring to the people. “My party is looking out for people with the capacity to deliver on its welfarist manifesto. This could be anybody. It must not be for sectional or sentimental bases”, he said.

            To him such 'ya na angbian” politics had only taken the people backward. To him “eating” as  the  Tiv word YA is literally translated does not sound appealing to him as an administrative concept. That people who have capable leaders. Leaders who are doing their duties, will not be thinking of sectional or clannish when looking for leaders.   

Since all political parties have scheduled their primaries in September, in line with BSIEC guidelines, posters of different politicians have littered the major towns of Kwande, especially, Adikpo, Jato Aka and Ikyogen.

                      The Contestants

KSN investigation reveals that the following are contenders in the election, Hon. Mker Shimave, Hon. Bem Tseen, Hon. Raymond Anumve (PDP, Turan). Others are Hon Viashima Akombor Ande and Mrs IKpambese and Ngutor Anyam (ACN,Turan).

From Ikyurav axis are  Hon. D.N Tamen, Hon. Mrs Lydia Suleh, Hon. Pastor Anyor Ikyor, Hon. Justine Amase, Hon. David Kumbur and Emmanuel Jumpa(PDP); also are Andy Ovande and Hon. Tyor(ACN).

 

Another Adikpo Story Which Is Painfully Coming To An End

" Full many a gem of purest ray serene

The dark unfathm'd caves of ocean bear:

Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,

And waste its sweetness on the desert air."

- Thomas Gray( Elegy Written in a country churchyard)

I walked into him at Adikpo market recently. He sat by one of the remaining public toilets in the market. Those toilets which in those days provided easy avenues for strangers were every where around Adikpo. Many of these toilets have been destroyed, resold or allowed to lay useless. But although very dirty and un hygienic, the one he sat in front, has succeeded as one of the most stubborn publics toilets in Adikpo. This particular one is located in the Small Garage. As a woman rushed in, although blind, the sound of the woman’s feet made him to put forth his hands;  obviously requesting for urinating fee. She gave him N10.

Terhemba Adugh Mough was a serial rapist in Adikpo! He lived and died in the early 90s. He  would ambush  girls in twilight and forcefully raped them. Initially, the society praised him. He was some form of disciplinarian! He was seen as checking nocturnal activities of wayward girls. Then he jumped from wayward ladies  to people's wives, nurses returning from night duties and then one day he went and raped boarding students of GI  Kajo memorial secondary school, Adikpo.

The social crusader had over stepped his boundaries. He was arrested by the police, killed and dropped at the Adikpo police station. For days, the body was disowned by his family. The first day , like the Libyians did when Gadafi died, the people rushed to see it. Especially, the women. He was naked. Terhemba was left at the station for a week. He was not embalmed. At that time, I was not inquisitive enough to enquire of the  reasons why the police left the decaying body of Terhemba to stay for that long. There was a stench...it was a gory sight.

This was not the first time I will see "Father" Aunde Ngonkur worked on a dead body. Although, today Aunde, popularly known as Father Ngokur is old, weak, blind and struggling to earn a living through a dilapidated toilet,  yet his story is one of the noblest Adikpo stories. He had been our "undertaker". The first time I saw him worked was on the body of an Igbo guy who was killed and dropped in River Katsina Ala. The boy was a  criminal...

In those days, our people would keep a dead body for days. When you looked at the dead body  closely, some thick brownish substance will come out of it with an accompanying awful stench; a stench  which would make children and women sick. At that time, Father Ngokur was one of the very few who would dress the dead body..it got to a point that even dead dogs, refuse and emptying of sewages through out Adikpo was a reserve for Ngokur. He would do it with an unusual smile.

He offered these services for free. Of course, he would demand for "IZAL" money. This was the only opportunity that the bereaved had to extend a good will to him. He never argued.

This Adikpo Story, with what I saw recently, like Ben Usorko, is painfully and pitifully coming to an end. Ngokur might have done so much for Adikpo when he was able, but at his point of need, Adikpo has betrayed him.

Today 27th July is an Adikpo Market, add 5 days here after to follow the market days.

The Crab Mentality

Akinde Ayu(He built an upstair at the age of 21 which gave Adikpo the name London)

From 1999 till now the Federal government has spent trillions of Naira as budget, even our dear State has spend   trillions of Naira as budget.  Even the budget of Kwande LGA is in Billions (newsflash). The total monies which has been expended in Nigeria in form of grants and aids from bilateral donor organizations, humanitarian groups and recently indigenous philanthropy organizations  during this period is also in billions of Naira.

However, the question is what percent of these huge revenues have reached ‘the Kwande  people’. Ignorance they say is bliss, it makes life very easy, but beyond the simplicity of life powered by lies and deceit  are philosophies, thoughts,  events and actions that should not be glossed over for they hold the truths the pretty much  determine our everyday life and ultimately destiny. Yet the crafty always look for ways to divert attention from the fundamental issues that govern our existence to superficial and irrelevant ideologies targeted to confuse and mislead.  It is within this framework of wrong perception  that I wish to locate my analyses and expose the defeatist nature of the crab mentality’.

Ironically the philosophy of crab mentality is been propagated from the same political party which has ruled Kwande Local Government most since 1999! The simple presentation of that analogy reveals the self denial that has made the same situation prevalent.

It is no longer news that  Kwande  is now backward in areas we used to be clear leaders; sports, academics, politics, innovation, commerce and culture, we were an excellent people, well organized and feared because of our numerical strength, very knowledgeable, exposure  and unity. As we stand in the ashes of today we are  trapped between the past glory and the seemingly hopelessness of tomorrow.  What is worst about our situation? I used to think  we are genuinely oblivious of our predicament but now I understand our problem; we are professing the crab mentality thereby living in  denial of the very reason responsible for our under development -US. This misleading notion has made  it impossible for us to change our thinking, mentality and approach to workable solutions. A defeatist mentality is always  blaming everyone but  yourself for your predicament. 

Despite the huge revenues and resources at the national level, not one kobo has reached us in terms of infrastructural development or other investments aimed at uplifting the standard of life of the Kwande people because there has been no one to stake our claim. But the question is whose fault? Have we had political appointments from Kwande even at the federal level, shouldn’t these people together with those we elected to represent us plea our bargain? Perhaps so, but when you are conversant with the  4^th republic brand of politics  which is a selection and not election resulting to  promoting self interest above societal interest, you will zero in on the very reason responsible for our own undoing.

Perhaps the national level is too far and the politics too complex  so let us come closer to the PDP dominated state level. At this level things are more complicated; from 1999-2006 it had to take the tragedy of the Air force plane for a road to be constructed from Adikpo to Obudu(the construction work was sub standard and poorly done) again GTS constructed another road from Adikpo to JatoAka, which was commissioned by GEJ(the construction work is also  sub standard and poorly done as some parts of the road have started to cave in). So even the things which come to us  are not qualitative. But with the number of Kwande people in government (State) since 1999 one would  expect  we would have attracted tangible development from the huge resources available  at the state level, sadly this has not translated into any form of dividends for us as a people.

Perhaps the stench at the Local government level will be too strong to open up it up for scrutiny. By design local governments are suppose to be close to the people. The intention of this design has been defeated in Kwande a long time ago. What we have continually seen is an alienated system of governance which is one of the fundamental reasons why this level of government has consistently  and woefully failed in Kwande. From 1999 to now we have seen abysmal  performance of successive local government administrations and lack of innovations leading to serious deterioration in the following sectors in the local government:

Agriculture; does anyone care about the availability of fertilizers and improved seedlings for the local farmers? The Nigerian government has billions of tons of improved different species and variety of improved seedlings stored up across the country to be distributed free of charge to farmers, what are the strategies to tap into this? Are there still opportunities for tractor hiring as it used to be? How about putting in place programmes for diversification to other means of farming like grass cutter, snail,  fish etc which have huge markets?There used to be the  agric show where farmers would display their products and share ideals, what happened to it? How about investment in food processing? Almost half of the vegetables and fruits produced by rural farmers are wasted. What about setting up mechanized means of garri processing, develop packaging and marketing strategies (our cassava is more rich in nutrients than those in other states who have started to export garri in large quantities)? The list goes on...

Sports /recreation; have you visited the Sir Akpoo Stadium lately, the level of decay and deterioration is alarming, how about  the basket ball, volley ball, badminton  and hand ball courts at ACC, which used to take the youths away from social vices?( on the state of football, read Iorliam Shija’s piece on Football; a dying culture)

Sanitation; have you visited the abattoir and seen the bad hygienic conditions? Our streets are overgrown with bush, no plans for waste disposal; the landscape that once made us London has been compromised by lack of effective implementation and adherence to the grand design of the town.

Infrastructural development; our township roads are bad (Barracks road, Kajo way) even where available, the street lights don’t work, and the drainage systems have been overtaken by dirt. How about water? There used to be a period where we had water on our taps in Adikpo(yes its true) Adikpo is gradually becoming congested what are plans for phase II?

Publicity; what is our position on the globe?  Globally, business is done on the net, were are in  the realm of information technology, does the LGA have a website? How do our people in Diaspora and other people interested in Kwande follow events and happening back home? How do they even contribute to the development of their LGA without correct information?  What are the investment opportunities available in the Local Government area, what natural resources do we have that can attract investors?

Tourism and culture; how are we promoting the Tiv Culture of which we are the privileged custodians? Where is Swem located, should  we not sponsor a study to find the location with a view to promoting Tiv pilgrimage to their ancestral home? (Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia makes billions of dollars from these types of ventures). While the Local government may not have the resources to do these it can build and develop partnerships to achieve this. We have a very rich cultural heritage that we are allowing modernization to erode with impunity

Commerce; Which sector in the Kwande economy employs the most people and how is this regulated and protected from unfair terms of trade? What catalytic investments can be made to boost commerce in the land? Provision storage facilities? Setting the agenda to create markets?  Provide training on entrepreneurship? Provide skills acquisitions training? 

How about the capacity of the local government staff? Do they have job descriptions? Do they have the tools, the training and right motivation to do their job? What added value do they contribute to the system?

Parnerships for development : How have we integrated the clan development associations into the development agenda? What role do they play? How has the government provided the right agenda to promote volunteerism and community based development initiatives? The excessive politicalization of the traditional and religious institutions has so far proved to be detrimental to community led development, this has not only commonized these institutions but also exposed them to ridicule. This has to be checked and corrected.

Our failures are predicated on the fact that we have not been able to build on the labour of our heroes past; these should be blamed on lack of a master plan which articulate our desires and aspiration as a people, which brings me to my last point. The Kwande LGA agenda; The Political reality across the nation has made it imperative for groups to have very strong  sectional agendas as a bargaining tool at the national and state levels, these agendas are also  preservation tools. The fact about the present day politics in Nigeria is that people who are serious about their development are increasingly been be proactive in asserting their developmental agendas. While some groups have adopted unconventional of agitation, we need to find the right balance to achieve the intentions of that plan. It could be through elections or appointments, but we should have a common agenda that bind us as a people. 

 So when we talk about the crap mentality we seem to exonerate ourselves of our responsibility in the equation  by blaming others for our failures and weaknesses, this is a distortion of the truth. The right thing to do is to take responsibility and move from our inconsistency,  mistakes and failures which have dressed us in borrowed robe. It is only when we acknowledge how our actions or inactions as individuals and as a people have contributed to our present predicament that we will find a common solution. Our failures are not necessarily because a fellow brother has pulled us down, simply put, it is our greed, ignorance, lack of a clear vision, strategy, and planning as well as innovative skills  that keeps pulling us down to the pit of underdevelopment, so let us live our fellow brother out for now.  A certain man is coming who will hold the torch high again for us to see and lead us to the way forward.

Tersoo Akula.

Feedback on tersooakula@gmain.com

A goat stealing Syndicate Botched

The police in Ikyogen, Ikyurav Ya, Kwande local government have arrested 3 men and one woman who formed a goat stealing gang in Mbachile, Ikyurav ya.

Parading the criminals recently at Ikyogen, the police reveal that, for months, the gang led by one young man simply identified as  Bem had been going around the village at ood hours to steal other peoples goat.

In an interview session with KSN Bem confessed that he stole because of hunger.

Luck ran out of these criminals when they stole a pregnant goat of one Mr Tyav Tyor and two other goats belonging to Ngivan Ahemba and Mrs Christiana Iormase. Mr Tyor led a house to house search for his goat. It was in the process that he goat to Bems resident and discovered goat butchered parts including the unborn babies which were cooked and hiden under bed. Them Bem and his wife revealed the names of the other members of the gang.

The case has been transferred to Adikpo for further action, a police source in Ikyogen told KSN.

The History Of Adikpo London

Although the Mbagande people have always lived in what is today known as Adikpo London, the seeds of Adikpo town began between 1914 To 1917, this is the period when the Obudu Adikpo Ogbema Katsina Ala Road was opened.

The British captured Kunav and Obudu areas around 1909 and had established business and colonial administrative centres in Obudu town; but in the quest to connect the economic activities of Obudu and the sea port at Katsina Ala, which was one of the earliest colonial settlements, the need for the road from Obudu through Shangev Ya, arose.

Ordinarily, the original inhabitants (Mbagande) had no need for big markets or even needed a "town", but the influx of Mbagbendav(road workers or laborers) who were "foreigners" and later, as a transport route when the road was completed, a town was born!

It was named Adikpo after the man(son of the soil) that the colonialists made the first chief, Adikpo Ademagba Ayisa.This was in 1914.

But it was not until 1953 that the Tiv Native Authority declared Adikpo as a "settlement", but infrastructurally, development was nonexistent. Apart from Igbo men from the east who would bring "white men wares" through Obudu, as such, making Adikpo one of the earliest places to have white man wares, the town was bushy up to early the 1960s! By this I mean, 95 per cent  of the town was made up of thatched houses!

Three things worked for the rapid development of the town; these were the love and ingenuity of Ako Dzungwe, Nande Nande and Atem Ityo political crises( 1958-1964). By 1958, Ako Dzungwe,  an Usar man, the first Tiv engineer, was in charge of works department of Tiv NA, and from Head of Department, Works, he moved to the post of Administrative secretary of the Native Authority. He handed that department to his kinsman, James Ityowua Adzape.

From the body language of the whitemen, they would have preferred Manor, in Ikyor, present day Ushongo Local Government, to be the head quarters of the Kwande Sept, then comprising of the two local governments. For example, all the first 3 Two Ter Kwandes, Sule Agbough,  Angwe Suleagbogh and Ge Kpa were from the Ushongo axis!

Shagbaor Ako Dzungwe was to change this trend. As administrative secretary, he made sure Adikpo had security presence, a court, roads and a dispensary(he used his kinsman, Adzape to achieve some of these). So when the 196O and 1964 Nande Nande and Atem Ityough political crises engulfed Tivland ,Adikpo, for these obvious reasons witnessed an influx of people from all the areas around which had poor security and health facilities! Even the then Ter Kwande, Ge Kpa, sought refuge in Adikpo! Also note that as from 1960, the Roman Catholics have also established St Monica's hospital. This was an added advantage.

With enough security, health facilities and a market, after the 1964 crisis, so many people were reluctant to go back to their places for obvious reasons, so Chief Dzungwe used that opportunity to order for the planning of Adikpo. So the town was first planed(mainly plots allocation, free to every willing adults) in 1964.

At this time, Dutch Reformed had established the first primary school( in 1934) and Roman Catholics put up St Anns (in 1942), but up to 1964, there was no secondary schoo in Adikpol! But funilly this was when Adikpo got the name LONDON!

The man who gave Adikpo the name London was a traditional song composer, Atule Amende , an indigene of Mbakyan, Nanev. In his later life, he was known as Amende Ikpmkor London( on the life of Amende, read Charles Keil; Tiv Song).  He used to compose songs for Kasev Kwande. Most of his songs have survived till date. So why would he call Adikpo a London?

It was because of the first storey building put in place by Akinde Ayu in 1961(but I suspect he might have heard about london from the  Igbo beneseed merchants who were operating in canteens  at that time. I am made to understand by a source that those people used to talk of London!) He sang that Adikpo was also a London, that she even had storey buildings! A London was born!

This was London without a secondary school. She got her first secondary school in 1967, St Andrews Secondary School; Adikpo Comprehensive College by Ako Dzungwe, my Alma Mata, was to follow in 1968 and so many others henceforth.

As Amende Ikpamkor sang and spread the Londoness of Adikpo, a lot of people with vision got the message and one of then was Apollos Aper Aku. When he was the chairman of Kwande between 1 January,1977 to 30 December,1978, A per Aku, who was the second Tiv graduate, gave Adikpo, a London Master plan.

Aku planned every street in Adikpo, he provided for motor parks, recreational parks. He located slots for banks, water system sketched out an electrification plan of the town. I have traveled very wide in Nigeria, but I have not seen well planned streets like the ones we have here!

Moreso, when Aku became governor by 1979, he made sure that he pushed the Londonness of Adikpo to a logical conclusion. That was the end of London!

Yes Adikpo still has her streets, yet subsequent council chairmen have failed us, they have failed Aku too. Yes, though there was a slot for a bank, a politician turned it to a motor park last year. All the public toilets have been shared out! Orfaansev bought some, our recreational parks have been sold to NURTW and Okada men for offices!

The local government secretariat that was envisioned by Aku in 1978 was only completed last year by Akputu. But the biggest blow to London was the political crises of 2004/2005.

There are good sides though. Adikpo has the highest number of secondary schools in the state, mostly, private efforts (there is no government secondary school here), Adikpo has produced the best brains I have ever met.

Today, Adikpo has a market, electricity, good streets, a police station, a stadium, a newspaper, internet facilities, GSM network, but it is not the London that it should be.

Jonathan: The 2nd President To Visit Adikpo

Jonathan: The 2^nd President To Visit Adikpo

By Iorliam’Amo Shija

Goodluck Jonathan is the second Nigerian President to ever visit Adikpo, Kwande Local Government since the creation of the council in 1976. The first president to visit Adikpo was the then Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who visited in 1981 or 82.

KSN attempts to discover the reasons of the Shagari Visit did not yield any result. Although there is a shade named after him standing at Adikpo Comprehensive College (ACC) till date.

Apart from these two, many more presidential aspirants had at a time visited Adikpo in the  past. On the list are Obafemi Awolowo, MKO Abiola, Bashir Tofa, Bamanga Turku and Jibril Aminu.