By Callistus Agwaza in Jalingo
Stakeholders of Kuteb ethnic nationality in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba state have dragged the state government before a Jalingo high court, challenging the appointment of three third class Chiefs and the proposed appointment of a first-class Chief of Takum on rotational basis.
The stakeholder also sought for the court for an order restraining the state government from interfering with the stool and palace of Ukwe Takum, which they said evolves for native laws and customs of Kuteb people.
Joint in the suit are the state governor, Agbu Kefas and the Attorney General of the state.
In an originating summons, the plaintiffs, Sule Audu, Auwal Ibrahim and Rimamnyang Boyi Ahmadu, through their counsel, Festus Idepefo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the asked the court, to among others, issue a declaration that “the Taraba State Establishment of one rotational first class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 did not establish new chiefdoms in Takum.
“A declaration that the Taraba State Establishment of one rotational first-class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 did not establish the office or stool of Chief of Takum of first-class grade to which a person can be appointed.
“A declaration that the Taraba State establishment of one rotational first-class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 did not create the stool or office of chief of Takum who can be appointed a president in council of the Takum traditional council.
“A declaration that the Taraba state establishment of one rotational first-class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 did not establish the stool of’ “Gar’ Chamba, ‘Tsohon’ Jukun and “Kwe” Kuteb Takum to which any person can be appointed.”
The plaintiffs further urged the court to make a declaration that the Taraba State Establishment of one rotational first-class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 did not abolish the stool or office of Ukwe Takum.
The Kuteb stakeholders also prayed the court to declare that the provisions of section 18 of the Taraba State Establishment of one rotational first-class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 did not override the provision of all extant laws relating to the existence and recognition of Ukwe Takum.
It further sought an order restraining the defendants from demolishing the palace of Ukwe Takum or taking any step to wipe away the Ukwe Takum palace.
They further seek for an order restraining the defendants from interfering or exhuming the remains of past Ukwes Takum namely; Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe, Hassan Gankwe, Ibrahim Zorto Audu Gankwe and Ali Ibrahim Kuffang II, from their graves in the premises of Ukwe Takum palace.
The suit prayed the court for a perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants from appointing any person into any of the offices listed as members of the Takum traditional council by section 3 (1) (a) of the Taraba State Establishment of one rotational first-class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 as no chiefdom is created for their existence by the said law.
Meanwhile, the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN) the umbrella body of Kuteb world wide has disassociated itself from the purported publication by a faceless group that address itself as the Kuteb Peace Movement.
In an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Jalingo, President of KYN, Emma Ukwen, said only the Kuteb Yatso that has mandated to speak for the Kuteb nation and not any group.
He described the purported Kuteb Peace Movement as a faceless and non-existent entity created by government propagandists to confuse the unsuspecting public.
Ukwen insisted that one of Danladi Rimamnde, who claimed to be the coordinator of the psudo group, is an imaginary name.
“We are already in court, so why should anybody in his senses fabricate a story to say that we have conceded to the charade done by the government?” Ukwen said.
The KYN President called on the public to disregard any statement coming from a group that is being instigated by the enemies of the Kuteb people to downplay the serious injustice mated against them.
“I know that the said Danladi Rimamnde is a ghost, a faceless entity doing the bidding of the state government and Chamba tribe. If they are a true group, let them show their faces for the Kuteb people to see them”, he said.
