Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu has identified himself as Tiv, citing his late mother’s Agatu heritage from Benue State.
Wadada made the disclosure while hosting a select group of Tiv people at Taal Hotel in Lafia today, the Nasarawa State capital, where he commended the Tiv community in the state for its resilience and contributions to the development of the state.
The senator said he believed every individual had a root and stressed the importance of recognising and giving credit to people and communities for their contributions.
“I like giving credit to where it is due,” Wadada said, while praising the Tiv community for its resilience and perseverance.
Speaking about his relationship with members of the Tiv community, Wadada described the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as his best friend among his many Tiv friends.
The senator said his relationship with the Tiv community was strengthened by his family background, noting that his late mother was an Agatu from Benue State.
Wadada further described himself as a “positive man,” saying he was committed to achieving positive results in whatever responsibility he undertook.
He also assured the gathering that, if elected as governor, he would uphold fairness and justice in dealing with all the citizens of the state, irrespective of ethnic or other affiliations.
He urged the people to continue to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among the various ethnic groups in Nasarawa State.
The gathering provided an opportunity for the senator to reaffirm his connection with the Tiv people and acknowledge their role in the social and political development of Nasarawa State.