Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has outlined the key qualities required for the next Tor Sankera, emphasising that the new traditional ruler must be a person of integrity, loved by the people, truthful, and willing to sacrifice everything—even his life—for his people.
Speaking on Sunday at the one-year Memorial Thanksgiving Mass and Reception for the late Tor Sankera I, HRH Chief Abu King Shuluwa, and the derobing of HRH Lady Elizabeth-Mary Shuluwa, Alia declared that the time had come to find a worthy successor.
“It is very clear to me that the next Tor Sankera must be a man of integrity, a man of the people, someone who is truth-friendly, someone who calls a spade a spade, and someone who is willing to take a bullet for the people of Sankera,” Alia stated.
He revealed that he had already urged the Tiv paramount ruler, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, to expedite the process of selecting a new Tor Sankera to replace the late Chief Abu King Shuluwa.
“I know your children are vying for this position. Again, it must be someone with integrity,” the governor stressed.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Tor Sankera I, Alia highlighted Chief Shuluwa’s tireless efforts to restore peace in Sankera despite ongoing security challenges.
“My uncle had a number of causes he was championing, primarily peace in his own domain—his kingdom in Sankera,” he noted.
While acknowledging the persistence of violent attacks in the area, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving lasting peace.
He also urged traditional rulers to be vigilant and actively discourage crime within their communities, warning that those aiding and abetting criminal activities risk dethronement.
Alia extended his gratitude to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Most Rev’d Isaac Dugu, and the Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, for their relentless efforts in fostering peace in Sankera.
Credit: PUNCH