By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan (rtd.), Akii of Kwararafa Kingdom and a former Chief of Defence Intelligence, has been appointed President of Kwararafa Development Forum (KDF).
Morgan’s appointment was formally conveyed in a letter signed by His Majesty, Dr. Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen, the Aku Uka of Wukari and Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The appointment places the retired senior military officer at the head of a movement seeking to reconnect communities historically associated with the old Kwararafa tradition and promote unity, peace, cultural renaissance and sustainable development among them.
In the appointment letter, the Aku Uka said Morgan was selected on the strength of his experience, integrity, leadership qualities and commitment to the advancement of the people, expressing confidence that his leadership would help the movement contribute to peace, unity and national development.
The appointment came against the backdrop of a major gathering of Kwararafa stakeholders in Abuja on Saturday, where traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, professionals, military veterans and cultural groups converged at the Transcorp Hilton for the Kwararafa Development Forum.
At the gathering, the Aku Uka delivered a paper titled, “The Splendor of the Confederacy: Ancient Truth and the New Dawn”, drawing attention to the historical relationships among the diverse peoples associated with Kwararafa and the need to build on those ties in contemporary Nigeria.
Morgan, an indigene of Benue State from the Idoma-speaking area, noted that the appointment was more than just another title, describing it as an assignment involving a considerable constituency, a long history and significant expectations.
The meeting also brought cultural expression to the fore, with traditional rulers and cultural troupes from different parts of the country providing a colourful reminder of the diverse communities that identify with the Kwararafa heritage.
Morgan noted that the new assignment appeared consistent with positions he had expressed in recent engagements, where he emphasised regional cohesion, peacebuilding, security, cultural renewal and collective development.
He argued for stronger cooperation and more inclusive development in the wider region, while proposing greater coordination among security agencies, communities and other stakeholders to confront insecurity in North-Central Nigeria.
The Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, was also commended for his role in organising the Abuja gathering, while the governors of Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa and Plateau States were acknowledged for their support and participation.
