Following the departure of HRH. Abu King Shuluwa, Tor Sankera -1, several friends, well-wishers and associates within and outside Tiv land, especially those who were familiar with his nomination by the Shitile clan for the stool of Tor Tiv the Fifth nudged Engr. Benedict Tertsea Shinku to declare interest for the stool of Tor Sankera-II. He has politely declined the overtures for personal reasons.  In the wake of his 50th birthday, it again emerged on social media that Engr. Shinku had purchased the “Expression of Interest”  form for the stool of Tor Sankera-II. We unequivocally state that at no time did our principal declare such interest even in a casual conversation with anyone, much less “buying a Nomination Form”. As such, the speculation remains an imagination in the minds of the carriers of the news. Engr. Shinku has repeatedly, and still maintains, that he has “no intention to seek Tor Sankera stool”.

While our principal is appreciative of the clamour for him to declare interest in the stool, and construes it as a demonstration of the love the good people of Sankera have for him, and their faith in his ability to deploy his knowledge, charisma and networks in humble service for the sustainable peace and development of Sankera Intermediate Area and Tiv land at large, he maintains that had he wanted to contest for the stool of Tor Sankera-II, he would have made his intention clear to the public and not leave it to speculation.  

Engr. Benedict Tertsea Shinku calls on well-meaning citizens of Sankera and Tiv land to join him in prayer to Almighty God to grant His Grace to the Government of Benue State to initiate and superintend a free, fair and just process to select Tor Sankera-II from the array of eminently-qualified Sankera sons aspiring to the throne.

-Citizen John Akevi