As the 2023 general elections draws nearer , stakeholders in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, have called on electorates to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voters Cards from the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to enable them to participate fully in the polls.
They made the call at the 22nd Annual Tiv Cultural Day Celebration and conferrment of traditional titles on deserving Tiv sons of the local government area, held at the Tiv Traditional Leaders Council Hall, Angwan Tiv Bali.
The leaders described PVC as the only powerful weapon through which the people could vote for candidates and political parties of their choice during the forthcoming elections.
The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Bali Local Government Council, Mr. Micah Dakka, in an address, applauded the Tiv community for their unity and love for one another.
He urged them to collect their PVCs to enable them to vote massively for their preferred candidates during the 2023 general elections.
The chairman who pledged to continue to cherish the tradition and cultural heritage of the Tivs , also advised the people of the area to continue to be security conscious and always liaise with security agencies to fish out unscrupulous elements who aim to disrupt the peaceful coexistence in the area.
Mr. Micah Dakka believed that the entire Tiv people are part and parcel of the current administration, and called on them to ensure that they collect their PVCs and play politics without rancor, hatred, or bitterness.
“I also want to use this opportunity to extend our gratitude and total loyalty to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Arc Darius Dickson Ishaku for the opportunity he has given us to serve the good people of Bali Local Government Area”, Dakka added.
The Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Colonel Agbu Kefas (rtd), in a message called on the Tiv people to sheath their swords, obtain PVCs and join hands to restore the unity that has kept the people of the state together for ages.
President General Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Comrade Joshua Ayagwa called on the Tiv community in the State to shun all forms of bitterness and embrace forgiveness and love for one another .
In his remarks, Chairman of Bali Branch of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Mr. Mathew Baki urged voters who fear their votes wouldn’t count, to actively participate in the process since the new electoral act had taken care of such issues.
Recalled that Tiv Day, an annual event that had being celebrated for twenty-two years now, is a retreat aimed at showcasing traditional and rich cultural activities.
The event also celebrate the progress that the Tiv people of the Bali Local Government area have made in their livelihood.
Our Correspondent reports that this year’s event featured a cultural display and presentation of traditional titles to deserving sons and daughters among many other cultural displays.
Papers were also presented by Mr. Tersoo Mela on the topic “Harnessing the Tiv Socio-Cultural and Economic Potentials for a more Peaceful and Prosperous Nation, while Mr. Sylvanus Mokondo presented on Tiv Traditional Rulers as custodians of culture.
Sani Sulaiman
