From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi.

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has selected former Military Governor of old Anambra and Benue States, General Atom Kpera (rtd.) as chairman of the coronation Committee for the Coronation of the Tor Tiv the Fifth.

The Governor who took the decision when he met with royal fathers in Tivland at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House, in Makurdi also named the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Titus Zam as Secretary of the Committee.

Those at the meeting included the Tor Tiv-elect, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Professor James Ayatse, first, second, as well as third class chiefs in the 14 Tiv speaking local government areas of the state.

Although, no dates were chosen yet for the coronation ceremony, the meeting which deliberated on the installation of first class chiefs and the new Tor Tiv agreed that the event would hold towards the end of February or first two weeks of March this year.

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Membership of the committee includes traditional rulers, leadership of the Mdzough U Tiv, some State Assembly members, representatives of prominent political parties, Tiv Diaspora groups, prominent Tiv sons and daughters as well as co-opted government officials.

A meeting at which details of the central committee membership would be concluded was scheduled for Tuesday next week . The Governor thereafter presented a Toyota Prado and Hilux pick up van to each of the six first class chiefs.

He stated that despite the economic challenges, it was imperative that government had to meet its responsibility of providing mobility for the chiefs to enable them discharge their duties which included enhanced security.

Responding, Acting Tor Tiv, Chief Ivokor Unongo expressed appreciation to the Governor describing the presentation as unprecedented in the history of the state.