By Terna Chjkpa, Jaling
The Tiv community of Ibi Local Government Area in Taraba State achieved a significant milestone on Saturday with the installation of Zaki Japhet Iorapuur Mkar as the first substantive traditional head of the area, known as the Ter Tiv Ibi.
The historic event, as noticed by Worldclass247News, followed Zaki Mkar’s victory in an open ballot election, where he defeated his opponent, Zaki Akenawe Saameakpe. Out of the eight kingmakers who voted, Zaki Mkar secured six votes, while Zaki Akenawe received two.
His emergence, came after extensive consultations among elders of the Ichongu and Ipusu clans, as they elders unanimously agreed to zone the stool to the Ichongu clan, which comprises four sub-clans: Nonguv, Ihyarev, Ugondu, and Turan.
Following the zoning arrangement, the Ichongu clan resolved to conduct an election among its sub-clans. In the spirit of equity and brotherhood (Ya Na Wangbian), the kingmakers decided to support Zaki Mkar of the Ugondu clan, as the Nonguv clan already occupies key positions in the local government, including elected councilor and chairman of Tiv culture.
Speaking after the election, the kingmakers called on all Tiv people in Ibi to rally behind Zaki Mkar to foster peace and development in the area.
In his acceptance speech, Zaki Japhet Mkar expressed gratitude to the Tiv community for their confidence in his leadership.
He described his victory as divine and pledged to work tirelessly for unity and progress among the Tiv people and other ethnic groups in the local government.
“I sincerely commend the Tiv community in Ibi for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am committed to ensuring lasting unity and fostering development for our people and the entire local government,” Zaki Mkar said.
He also applauded the Chairman of Ibi council, Iliya Muhammad Ajibu, for creating an enabling environment for the election and for his commitment to the development of the area.
Before his elevation, our correspondence gathered that. Zaki Japhet Mkar had served as the acting Ter Tiv Ibi, providing leadership and maintaining the cultural values of the Tiv community.