Governor Suswam shuns Idoma monarchs, appoints his brother, five other Tivs as first-class chiefs in Benue

In a clear show of power, Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has appointed six first class chiefs out of ten earlier proposed.
His action is contrary to the earlier verdict of the Benue State High Court presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Iorhemen Hwande, restraining the governor and eight others from appointing first class chiefs in the state.

DAILY POST reports that the Chief Judge ordered the respondents through their agents from giving effect to the Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Councils Bill/Law passed by the Benue State House of Assembly on 7th April, 2015 pending the determination of the motion on notice.
He also restrained the respondents or their agents from appointing or taking any step towards the appointment of any person to the office of the 10 proposed 1st class chiefs in Benue State or such office by whatever name called.

However, latest report has it that the governor, who has no fewer than 25 days to vacate office, has confirmed the appointment of six first-class chief.
Several Benue natives, including the incoming government led by Dr. Samuel Ortom had had kicked against this proposal but the governor is not bothered by the outcries.

Secretary to the Tiv Traditional Council Mr. Torsar Shinyi, while announcing the appointment of the new top monarchs in a statement noted that the selection of traditional rulers was based on the provision of the law saying they have merited the positions.

Among those selected mainly from the Tiv speaking area of the state to include; Chief Ambrose Iortyer for Tor Kwande, Chief Ajoko Afatyo, as Tor Jemngbagh; Chief Goddy Ikyereve, Tor Gwer; Chief Moses Anageende for Tor Lobi; Chief J T Uganden for Tor Jerchira and Chief Terkula Suswam for Tor Sankera respectively.

He said the Tiv Traditional Council headed by the Tor Tiv Or’ Chivirigh Akawe Torkula and Chairman Benue State Traditional Council had Monday in his Palace submitted to the governor the list.

When DAILY POST put a call across to the governor-elect, Samuel Ortom, who just returned from China, he could not be reached for comment.