The apex socio-cultural group, Mzough U Tiv (MUT) worldwide has tasked the Nasarawa State Governor, Alh. Abdullahi Sule to flush out terrorist in his state, protect lives and properties rather threatening citizens who expressed genuine concerns about insecurity in Nasarawa state.
In a rejoinder signed by Chief CP. Iorbee Ihagh (rtd), the President General Mdzough U Tiv World wide and Comrade Luther Iorbee, the Secretary General, the MUT said it is the connotational responsibility of the governor to protect lives and properties.
The rejoinder read:
REJOINDER TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO H.E ENGR. A.A SULE, MR ADORA WITH THREATS TO SUE PROF. ZACHARYS ANGER GUNGU OVER DEFAMATORY AND LIBELOUS COMMENTS AGAINST HIS PRINCIPAL.
28th July 2025.
Our attention is drawn to a Press Secretary to the executive Governor of Nasarawa State at NUJ house Lafia on 22nd July 2025.
The Subject matter of the Press Conference was allegations of defamatory and libelous comments against the executive Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. A.A Sule.
We are specifically responding to the contents of the Press Conference with further clarification as follow.
(1) There is nothing defamatory and libellous in the context of the Public presentation made by erudite Scholar Prof Zachary’s Anger Gundu, because the Public discourse in particular are enforced with perceived evidence of persisting insurgencies targeting the Tiv indigenes of Nasarawa State, who are currently displaced into IDP camps in Benue State. These protracted attacks are mostly emboldened by claims of government taking Over Tiv farmlands particularly for Projects construction that are instead reallocated to strangers. This matter is already in court after series of request for intervention to relevant authorities including the President and Commander in chief, President Bola Almed Tinubu GCFR and the national assembly.
(2) The issues of the State hosting insurgents is verifiable and in Public domain. It is a calamity that predates the Sule Administration which has raised regional and interstate concerns. Governor Sule had personally raised concerns about the presence of Kidnappers den in Nasarawa communities and called for federal government intervention to fish them out. He cannot in anyway deny Knowledge of their presence in a state they use as their station to attack surrounding states. This matter is available in various intelligence sources, both formal and informal, it has been corroborated by the plateau and Kogi State government as has been peddled by Socio Cultural Organizations and civil Society such as Middle belt Organization and Local Vigilant groups.
(3) Therefore, the view expressed by Prof Zacharys Anger Gundu remains authentic and verifiable in the Public domain because the incessant invasions are reoccurring attacks specifically targeted against Tiv communities mostly occur on border lines between Nasarawa and Benue States where attackers retreat back to Nasarawa State. Some of the arrested criminals of the recent Yelwata attacks revealed the identity of the attackers from hideouts within Nasarawa State who are involved in the menace of Massive killings and destruction of property.
(4) As the Chief Security officer of the State, it is the constitutional responsibility of Governor A.A Sule to circumvent these perspectives with a deeper reflection for solution and in search for neighbouring Peace and reconciliation rather than jumping into vain threat to sue a concerned Citizen. This is not the path of defending the constitution and the People you swore to lead and serve, neither it is in the spirit of good leadership and neighbourliness with a tribe that honoured you With a Chieftaincy Title.
(5) We stand in solidarity with the view expressed by Prof Zacharys Anger Gundu as the true position of the Tiv People Worldwide and hereby expresses willingness to be joined in the anticipated Suit of your instructions. We believe his views were not directed to your person but to the office and institution of the Governor as cited previously former Governor AL Makura ‘s tenure.
(6) We equally request your press Secretary to be more civil in his Public engagement on your behalf to safeguard your hard earned reputation with the mandate You occupy as Governor of Nasarawa State.
(7) We are not opposed to your liberties of a Court action which we believe will reveal more about the Tiv peculiar challenges under your supervision. We are very disturbed by the trending persecution of the Tiv People who are your huge Political support base both in your Election and re-election but have suffered neglect and Marginilization all through. Your refusal to integrate them in the mainstream of your administration as your predecessors did is a complete deviation from the sustainable equation.
Kindly accept our warmest regards, your Excellency.
Sgned:
Chief CP. Iorbee Ihagh (rtd) Psc (+) Pmi. President General Mdzough U Tiv World Wide.
Comrade Luther Iorbee, Secretary General.
