The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has urged traditional rulers to avoid involvement in partisan politics while calling on indigenes of the Ichongo Akem community to foster unity as a pathway to development.

Ortom made the remarks in Makurdi during the inauguration of the executive members of the Ichongo Akem Peoples Assembly and the official unveiling of its certificate of registration.

He said traditional leaders should remain non-partisan and serve as neutral figures who promote peace and inclusiveness among their people, warning that political alignment could weaken cohesion and hinder progress within the community.

Addressing members of the assembly, Ortom emphasized the need for collective effort among sons and daughters of Ichongo Akem to advance the interests of the area. He noted that unity would enable the community to attract meaningful development and strengthen its influence within the wider Tiv nation.

He also paid tribute to late elder statesman Paul Unongo and other prominent figures from the community, describing their contributions as foundational to the ideals of unity and progress that the people should continue to uphold.

According to him, Ichongo Akem, regarded as the eldest segment within the Tiv structure, should take a leading role in promoting development and setting standards for other communities.

Ortom further expressed concern over the security situation in parts of Benue State, noting that communities within Ichongo Akem have been affected by recurring attacks linked to armed herders.

He stressed that addressing insecurity requires cooperation among stakeholders and a unified community front.

Earlier, representatives of the Central Planning Committee, including Elder Azer Ukende, explained that the Ichongo Akem Peoples Assembly was established as a non-political platform aimed at strengthening unity and coordinating development efforts.

Other speakers at the event, including retired Justice Augustine Utsaha and Professor Steve Ugba, cautioned the leadership of the association against allowing political interests to influence its activities, stating that neutrality would be key to achieving its objectives.

In his remarks, HRH Moses Anagende also encouraged members of the community to put aside differences and work together for the overall advancement of the Tiv nation.

The newly inaugurated president of the association, Dr. Didymus Tamen, pledged to lead with fairness and commitment to the collective good of the people.

The event also featured the formal installation of the association’s executive members and the presentation of its registration certificate.