Taraba State : Tiv Culture And Social Association Of Yesterday And Today Which One Is Better?

First and foremost, the Tiv Culture and Social Association [TCSA], was founded in 1980 by some notable Tiv leaders among them was late Chief Utsuwa Daa, from Bali local government area who also served as her first president-general and late Benjamin Orlunan Nomhwange from Takum local government area as secretary-general before other Tiv patriots followed in that order.

The founding leaders of the association recognised clearly from the outset that without unity among the people, unison and progress might be hampered, prompting them to identify and highlight the dangers of disunity to peace, growth and development in pursuit of Tiv vision.

On the strength of this, the leadership of TCSA led by Chief Utsuwa Daa and Benjamin Nomhwange made unity a catalyst and driver in their quest for progress in Tiv land, as aptly captured in the Association's motto: “Unity is Strength”.

This was also reflected in the aims and objectives of the TCSA Constitution, namely: “To foster the spirit of love, mutual understanding and brotherhood among Tiv people.” Since then, unity has remained one of the guiding principles in decision-making process in TCSA.

Secondly, the Tiv Culture and Social Association [TCSA] of yesterday, did not only act as a socio-cultural organization of the Tiv people, but it also acted as the most vibrant political pressure group of the Tiv people of then Gongola State. The Tiv Culture and Social Association [TCSA] of yesterday was the political mouth piece of the entire Tiv people of the defunct Gongola now Taraba State. It mobilized through its leadership so many Tiv political leaders to represent the Tiv people especially at the federal, state and local government levels.

For instance, at the outbreak of hostilities between Jukun and Tiv In 1992, it was the Tiv Culture and Social Association under the leadership of the late Engr. Nenshi that led a team of the Association's officials to a meeting at Abuja, with the then Vice President Admiral Aikhomu. That meeting produced the famous 10-points peace agreement. The same Engr. Nenshi hosted the then Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu with many Senators including the present president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Association's annual cultural event at Peva in 1992.

Also the Tiv Culture and Social Association under the leadership of the late Philip Ihom, hosted the Governors of Benue and Taraba States, Gabriel Suswan and Danbaba Suntai. Very important issues were discussed and decisions were taken by the two governors to improve the lots on the Tiv people of Taraba State. Unfortunately, Danbaba Suntai died before the commencement of the implementation of the decisions.

Today, the story of the Tiv Culture and Social Association [TCSA] has changed from better to worse. The TCSA has today become an ordinary political puppet and drum in the hands of few political bigots in Tiv land. To even make matters worse, some non-Tiv are now the chief influencers of the TCSA in almost all her decisions. The TCSA of today can’t lord it over on Tiv politicians as was before. Rather, those few politicians now dictate to the TCSA leaders and they now accept for their selfish interests and personal needs. The TCSA leaders of today are easily bought over with the power of money and awarding of contracts. All these perceived political benefits are meant to those leaders and their political cronies. This is why today, the Tiv Culture and Social Association [TCSA] election is even more corrupt and incredible.

To buttress my points, the past 2023 general election in Taraba state speaks volumes of the political fallacies and shortfalls of the TCSA of today. In an electoral scenario where seven (7) notable Tiv sons; Goodman Daniel Dahida, Takum-1; Nater Mbakir, Wukari-1; Philip Hingir, Wukari-2; Righteous Acho, Gassol-1; Julius Kwaghkar, Ibi; Destiny Bem Myaga, Donga and Solomon Peter, Donga were contesting for various political positions in the state.

The TCSA of today sealed its mouth and even refused to campaign openly in support of those candidates. This was a contest involving Tiv sons and other ethnic groups, the TCSA was obligatory to back its own sons, as demonstrated by the support given to Chief David Gba'Aondo, Hon. David Mtuem, Chief Jeremiah Kyanden Useh etcetera, when they contested as candidates in 1979 general election. The TCSA also extended similar backing to Mr. Tsetim Gwakyaa, Hon. David Mtuem and Simon Awua etcetera when they ran for some offices in 1983 general election.

If the TCSA of today is actually the TCSA of yesterday, they could have stand firmly, campaign, support and even voted for the their sons, since the Tiv people have a bloc votes in those areas.

Today, whether we believe it or not, divisive tendencies and political sentiments had already erupted among the TCSA leaders. These evil sentiments and political hatred had been inculcated into the minds of our elders, women and youths. Again, the Tiv Culture and Social Association of today is politically and culturally loosed and biased. That bond of unity and oneness that was once embedded in the origin and identity of the TCSA of yesterday is no more.

To explain this further, the TCSA leaders and members of today in actual sense hate themselves. While the TCSA of yesterday helped themselves to achieve their different goals and dreams of making Tiv land a better place. The TCSA of yesterday was also like a chain that hooked up each small pieces to stretch longer and stronger. Then, when one Tiv man was blessed and highly favoured in the connected economy, he equally connected or hooked up to other Tiv person without preferential treatment of any kind. Then, TCSA was TCSA.

Unfortunately, the TCSA of today preferred to help people of other tribes than to help their own kinsmen. In the TCSA of today, 'Shitile mba zuan vea Ukum ga: Ugondo mbatoon usu vea Shitile ga' etcetera. This mentality of clannish sentiment is gradually becoming inherent behaviour among Tiv youths. It’s now revolving and cyclical among our young people.

Conclusively, what is actually missing from the TCSA of today and why we continue to say that, the TCSA of yesterday is far better than the TCSA of today? What are those things that continuously breed hatred, division, enmity, sentiment and such other social ills among the TCSA of today?

These two questions again call for the attention of the Tiv Culture and Social Association of today to take her original position as at the time of old. What the TCSA of today needs is restructuring, reforming and rebranding to gain her lost glory, originality and true identity. In fact, whatever evil that is befalling the entire Tiv people in Taraba State today is as a result of the weaknesses and failures of the TCSA leadership.

The TCSA of today has since become apolitical in a one-sided area and this is why the centre couldn’t hold, even till today. No doubt, the unity, growth and development of the entire Tiv people in Taraba State is tied strongly to the vibrant and strong leadership of the TCSA. Therefore, to gloriously bring back the TCSA of yesterday, the TCSA of today must sit up tight and face squarely their leadership duties.

Citizen John Akevi, a Bauchi-based journalist and author, wrote via: [email protected]