Ayatse to Jime :You will make an excellent Governor if elected into office in 2019,you are a true son of Benue state.

The global leader of the Tiv nation, His Royal Highness Tor Tiv the Fifth, Prof. James Ayatse, has declared that former federal lawmaker, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, will make an excellent Governor, if elected into office in 2019.

The First Class Chief and erudite scholar, gave his unfettered blessings and endorsement today at his palace in Gboko, when the governorship hopeful, paid him a courtesy visit with a retinue of over 50 directors of his campaign council and other leaders of the party.

The Tor Tiv who held court in his palace for 30 minutes, recounting the good works of Jime, asked him to disregard rumours of his background, but concentrate on a thorough and issue-based campaign across the State.

The Tiv King in his proverb-laden speech, appreciated the developmental efforts of the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority(NEPZA) since 1992 and hoped he would do even better as Governor.

"You have spoken peacefully and impressively; but i want to tell you never to be bothered about the rumours about your origin or parentage. Those rumours are a product of bad politics. Those rumours that you are Fulani from the maternal or paternal line are lies. I have known you for many years and i known if you were not Tiv. 

"I also know that if given a chance, you will make a good governor. 

"In politics, rumours are part of the strategy to lock you in the ditch, while your opponents make haste, but i will assure you that whoever seeks to set a trap for you, will fall by the same trap.

The King recalled that he too was caught in the rumour mill a year ago when he sought to assume the throne as Tor Tiv, and therefore empathizes with Hon. Jime who may be facing the same problem.

He reiterated his decision to be apolitical and to attend to issues concerning the wellbeing of Tivland with truth, fairness and justice and implored all politicians to do same.

"The Tor Tiv you have now, whether you know or not, will stand firmly for the truth and speak for the good of the Tiv people. I implore Tiv people to always remember the wellbeing of the Tiv people.

Also the throne of the Tor Tiv, can only be elevated or diminished by the Tiv people themselves.