Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Aku Uka of Wukari, Manu Ishaku Ada Ali, Wukari, Taraba State.
The present occupier of the throne is Manu Ishaku Ada Ali who was crowned last month following the death of his predecessor, Dr Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi Kuvyu II.
Professor Osinbajo’s visit was his first to the kingdom and used the opportunity to condole with the monarch on the death of the late Aku Uka.
He said “First, let me extend my sincere condolence on the passing on of your illustrious predecessor who passed on after 45 years on the throne.
“I extend my condolence also on behalf of the president, government and people of Nigeria to your kingdom and also to all members of your cabinet.”
He assured the royal father that government would look into his appeal for more amenities in his kingdom.
“The issues you have raised are very important ones and I think they most deserve all of the attention that is possible. I hope that we will be able to respond to them.
“The Ministry of Power is at the moment working on a few projects here in Taraba State. As a matter of fact, on my way here, I met the minister of power; he was at the airport and we spoke.
“He had in fact been spoken to also by our dear and respected father, General T. Y Danjuma, who had mentioned to him about the particular problems of power in Wukari.
“He said that they were already doing quite a few things and they would conclude those things very soon. So, I’m hoping that in a short while we will have a different power situation in Wukari,” the Vice President explained.
The Aku Uka had, while welcoming the Vice President, appealed that the university community and Wukari town be connected to the national grid through the Kashimbila Dam located in the state.
The Monarch said, “The coming of the university has brought many people to our place who are now in need of amenities such as water, electricity and advanced healthcare delivery like teaching hospital.
“The most immediate request is the connection of the university community to the national grid from the Kashimbila Hydro source, which is just three kilometres away from the university.
“ We thus wish to appeal to your Excellency to look at these key areas pathetically for the benefit of our community.”
The monarch also stated that Wukari also needs to be connected to the Kashinbila because electricity supply in the town fluctuates.
The Aku Uka of Wukari expressed appreciation to government for the establishment of the Federal University Wukari, saying it has ensured that their children and wards no longer travel long distances to obtain university education.
