Kingmakers responsible for the emergence of a new Aren Eggon, the paramount ruler of Eggon nation in Nasarawa State, have been asked to select Senator Solomon Ewuga for the position.
The position became vacant following the demise of the last ruler, late Dr Bala Angbazo, in July 2022.
In the past, successors to the throne were supposed to be elected by the 22 kingmakers. However, out of the 22, only three are currently alive.
Governor Abdullahi Sule had vowed when he received members of the state Traditional Council, on a Sallah homage, at the Government House, Lafia, on April 25, 2023, that a new paramount ruler would emerge on May 5 to give the Eggon nation the much-needed direction.
He said the absence of other kingmakers cannot continue to stall the selection process, while assuring that his administration would not interfere with the process.
He, therefore, directed the Ministry for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, to commence the process for the selection of the new paramount ruler.
“The law empowers the Governor to use even only one kingmaker to select the new Aren Eggon. We will now use the three kingmakers to select the new Aren Eggon. I don’t even know the kingmakers and won’t even meet with them,” he had noted.
LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that three frontline contenders are favoured to clinch the position after 19 others have voluntarily stepped aside from the contest.
They include Senator Ewuga, Justice Ahmed Ubangari and Dr James Angbazo, son of the late Aren Eggon.
But a group known as “Ewuga Lovers” in a statement yesterday in Lafia, said Ewuga, a former deputy governor of the state and former minister of state for FCT is better qualified to hold the position at this point.
The group through its leader, Mr Patrick Affiku, argued that Ewuga’s pedigree as a leader of the Eggon nation at some point in its history as well as his standing as a notable public officer, stood him out as the best candidate for the job.
He said, “We want Ewuga, to be the new Aren Eggon, because he is a well experienced politician with the dexterity to unite our people and bring development to the Eggon nation, through his numerous contacts in Nigeria.
“He has the capacity and the patience to manage different kinds of personality, because of his peaceful nature and compassion, he will promote peaceful coexistence among Eggons and other tribes.
“Ewuga is brilliant and his superior communication skills and eloquence, will make him seamlessly make a case for the Eggon nation in every forum and he will ensure justice for everyone regardless of social status, gender.”
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