From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
The National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA), has alleged that the Abiseku of Abinsi, the traditional ruler of Abinsi in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, is being threatened with removal over a lawsuit challenging alleged discrimination against Jukun communities in the state.
NAJUWA said the Abiseku, also addressed as AkuBise, was summoned by the Ter Guma and allegedly pressured to prevail on the association to withdraw the case, or risk being forced out of office.
Addressing journalists, the group described Abinsi as one of the oldest towns in Benue with a historic Fourth Class traditional stool, dating back to pre-colonial times, similar to Lokoja and Badagry. It lamented that despite its history, Abinsi remains an ordinary district under Guma LGA.
In a petition dated April 18, 2024, NAJUWA’s solicitors, Falana and Falana’s Chambers, complained to the Chief Judge of Benue State, over the non-assignment of a suit filed on February 2, 2024.
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The letter, signed by Samuel Ogala, Esq, stated that the claimants and Jukun Wanu indigenes, were agitated that while other cases filed after February 2 had been assigned, their suit remained unattended to for “inexplicable reasons.”
The suit was filed against the Office of the Governor, Benue State Government, Speaker and Benue State House of Assembly, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, in his capacity as President of the Benue State Council of Chiefs.
NAJUWA is challenging what it described as decades of discriminatory policies against Jukun communities in Benue.
The group alleged that the Tiv Traditional Council was using “sinister and unconstitutional means” to frustrate the case.
According to NAJUWA, the Tor Tiv, through the Ter Guma and Tor Lobi, invited some Jukun representatives to meetings where they were allegedly asked to withdraw the lawsuit or issue a letter of disclaimer to weaken the case in court.
“NAJUWA wants the world to note that we will not withdraw this case, no matter the threats. We are towing the path of peace and the law until justice is achieved,” the group said.
NAJUWA argued that by virtue of Section 25 of the 1999 Constitution, Jukun Wanu people are indigenes of Guma, Makurdi and Logo LGAs and are therefore entitled to equal rights and recognition under the Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Council Law 2016.
The association listed Jukun Wanu communities to include Abinsi, Agyogo, Akatungu, Agyetashi, Azhoko, Abweni, Anmor, Ando Sede, Anuwha, Atenge, Anyishi, Asugu, Gidin Mangoro, Akatsu, Agbodo, Zhamindo, Ashuku, Kitsani, Aguye and Asokpoga, among others.
It is demanding N1 billion as compensation for what it called “prolonged acts of discrimination” against Benue Jukun.
NAJUWA urged the Tiv Traditional Council to respect the constitutional rights of the Jukun and allow due process to take its course.
