NEGATIVE PHILOSOPHIES OF THE TIV NATION
Tim Ter Torjir.
Some negative philosophies are dragging the Tiv nation on reverse. We need to enlighten our brothers/sisters on some of them with the hope to get out of this bad perception:
(1) Party fa angbyian ga.
This is a very wrong philosophy. In the north and the south-west, brothers from the same family may belong to different political parties without violence. The essence is to collectively and in peace put food on the family table. This is a healthy philosophy we need to emulate.
(2) Mtse or ke tswar ga:
Who the hell are you that you can’t ‘tsa or ke tswar ga.? The Igbo boy will serve his master for 10 years so that he can be independently established. “Mtse or ke tswar ga is a product of foolish Pride. The Tiv nation must learn how to ‘Tsa or ke Tswar’. Its a code, you must serve in order to be served.
(3) Ka akperan ikpa, i ande:
This is also a negative philosophy to life, especially in politics. It simply means there are no laid down principles in arriving at peaceful resolutions; no win-win solutions, just winner takes all. No wonder, political violence persists in Benue.
(4) Ishor Salem.
This is exactly what a typical Tiv politician will tell his audience; ‘Ishor salem’. The concept of ‘kwagh salem’ sounds scary and carries a greedy undertone especially for some one who is aspiring to lead as an elected servant of his people. I suggest this phrase be dropped.
(5) Mlu wan Kuman
You hear most Tiv people say this: “mo ya mlu wan kuman” Such a person can’t see beyond his nose. He is satisfied with his condition. To him the future is now. Also, he or she is not ready for change or advance. This myopic philosophy is the output of abject poverty. Poverty of the mind and the brain combined. The Tiv nation need to strive for more, we deserve more especially for political recognition at the national stage. I say this because most of our politicians are local home based champions and spectators at the national league.
There are others, for now, let’s reflect on the above as we meaningfully contribute.
