By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
JALINGO (PRECISE POST) – The Kuteb/Tiv Coalition in Taraba State has responded to recent remarks by Tiv political appointees who publicly distanced themselves from the group, clarifying that the coalition is not seeking their endorsement, and can not stop the movement from achieving their goals.
In a statement issued Monday in Jalingo and jointly signed by Dr. Yakubu Tor-Agbidye and Rikwense Muri, the coalition dismissed accusations that it is a “social media construct,” insisting that it is a legitimate political platform focused on uniting historically marginalized communities for meaningful participation in governance.
The statement comes days after a group of Tiv appointees and community stakeholders in Taraba publicly dissociated themselves from the coalition, calling it unrepresentative and divisive.
According to the coalition, “The Kuteb/Tiv Coalition is not against the government of Dr. Agbu Kefas. It is not against any political appointee, nor is it against any tribe.
“If anything, it is an act of political maturity and strategic foresight to unite historically marginalized ethnic groups—Kuteb and Tiv—so they can have a respectable voice at the table where decisions that affect them are being made.”
The coalition accused its critics of deliberately misrepresenting its intentions and stressed that true political empowerment lies beyond appointments.
It said, “Let us remind these self-appointed defenders of progress that political appointments do not equate to political empowerment. Empowerment is about equitable representation, institutional inclusion, land rights, and security—not mere patronage.”
The coalition also emphasized that its existence is rooted in constitutional rights, stating that freedom of association is fundamental in a democracy.
“The Kuteb/Tiv Coalition is not a fan club. It is a platform of strategic thinkers, elders, and visionaries committed to organizing beyond stomach infrastructure and gratitude politics”, it added.
In a direct message to their critics, the group noted that, “If a Kuteb/Tiv coalition makes anyone uncomfortable, the mature response is to form a better alternative—not to attempt to silence it.”
