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Behold Bala Kona, the new Garkuwa Bakundi chiefdom

















Drums were rolled out for as traditional ruler of Bakundi in Taraba State, Chief Muhammed Misa Gidado turbaned the state chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Victor Bala Kona as Garkuwa.   

  It was a gathering of “who is who” in Taraba State and beyond at the palace of chief of Bakundi, Alhaji Muhammed Misa Gidado in Bali, the headquarters of Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State on Saturday, November 9, to witness the turbaning of  Mr. Victor Bala Kona as new Garkuwa of Bakundi. Kona is the Taraba State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 Traditional dancers and other artistes from across the state were also at hand and shortly after the turbaning rolled out their drums and entertained guests at the historic event. Governor Darius Ishaku was represented by a First Class chief in the state, Lamdo Gashaka, Alhaji Zubairu Hamangabdo. As early as 10am, the palace of Chief of Bakundi, venue of the event was filled with well-wishers from within the state as top government functionaries, business men and key members of various political parties also witnessed the event. Kona was accompanied to Bali from his Bakin Dutse country home a distance of about 200 kilometres by his political associates, family members and friends from across the country for the epoch occasion.

 Upon arrival at the palace, Kona went into the inner palace of the Chief of Bakundi and paid the customary homage to Chief Gidado as expected of a traditional title holder. As culture of the chiefdom demanded, the turbaning started with dressing of the new Garkuwa with the traditional regalia by the Chief’s courtiers. The attires included all white gown, burnoose and a turban to match.

 Kona was led by  two  senior members of the chiefdom to the Palace main chamber where the chief and other title holders were seated and immediately dressed. After the turbaning, Kona stood from where he was turbaned and moved closer to the chief and paid homage as required by all title holders in the chiefdom. Chief Gidado said the title of Garkuwa, one of the highest, is only conferred to a brave and courageous person in the chiefdom.

 He said it was in recognition of Kona’s contribution to the chiefdom and the state that the title was conferred on him. Chief Gidado stated further that it was the hope and expectation of Bakundi traditional council that the Garkuwa will translate the new position which literary means  “Minister of Defence” to contribute immensely in bringing development to the chiefdom.

  The new Garkuwa thanked Chief Gidado for honoring him and pledged to be loyal to him and Bakundi chiefdom. He also promised to support all programmes designed to bring the desired peace and development in the chiefdom. Born on September 9, 1962, the Garkuwa holds a Bachelor Degree in Accountancy from Moddibo Adama University of Technology, Yola. He worked briefly in the defunct Gongola State civil service and solely established VicBalakon Ventures Services Limited in 1986 after he resigned from the civil service.

 The new Garkuwa started his political career in 1987 and was among the founding fathers of defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) and was also elected Taraba State Chairman of defunct United Nigerian Congress Party (UNCP) from 1996 to 1998. He also joined the former All Peoples Party (APP) and was elected the Assistant National Financial Secretary after the merger with other political parties that formed All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). The new Garkuwa joined Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007. He held many positions in the campaign organization of the former President Goodluck Jonathan and he was elected state chairman of PDP in 2012 a position he is still holds.
DAILY TRUST

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