KWO Chiefdom was upgraded from its Kwande District status and accorded a 3rd Chief Status of Long Kwo on April 3, 1981 by the first executive Governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar and was later upgraded to 2nd Class Status by Governor Simon Bako Lalong.
The Chiefdom, a District area in Quaan Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, is one of the most notable agrarian area where its people are known to be hardworking, productive and predominately farmers. However, the Kwo Chiefdom leadership crisis has since plunged the community into social-culture redundancy with lack of traditional leadership in the past 33 years.

Recall that the Supreme Court had cleared all doubts on the leadership tussle and the town is now on the verge of restoring all its lost glory, since the mantle of leadership will soon be restored, as the election date draws nearer.

There is currently a light at the end of the tunnel with the recent interest and pronouncement of the Plateau State Government towards an amicable resolution with respect to the throng. Government pronouncement opened a floodgate of contestants for as many as about 17 Princes from the four (4) ruling houses of Mpoema, Lakwaram, Kaskang and Nuku, of this Kwararafa Kingdom have so far indicated their interests to become the 27th Long Kwo.

Prominent in the race to occupy the stool of the Long Kwo are Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa, a business top shot and an Executive Director of
Duncan Group of Companies and
Chairman Lamebakena Properties, Ghana; Miskoom Hubert Isa, a retired civil servant; Cornelius Shekarau, a former banker and business man; Miskoom Danladi Nkup, a retired journalist and farmer and Miskoom John Aloko, a retired civil servant.

Others are, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland; Miskoom Linus Layi Anden, the immediate past acting General Manager of Plateau Express Services Ltd; Colonel Fidelis Attahiru, a retired army officer and now a business man, Casmier Angulu, a retired civil servant.

Also on the lists of contestants are children of the Long Kwo Miskoom Hoomkwap Sule II: Miskoom John Hoomkwap and Ibrahim Hoomkwap; as well as Miskoom Benedict Bamshal Mairiga, a medical doctor; Miskoom Johnbull Dunggu, a farmer and Miskoom Kenneth Isa, a civil servant with the Plateau State Government.

In an interview session granted to some journalists, one of the contestants, MISKOOM LARRY PETERS BAWA bares his views and aspirations towards ensuring a new King is crowned in Kwo Chiefdom ( Kwande District) in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

• For the sake of members of our reading public, who is MISKOOM LARRY PETERS BAWA?

Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa, is a Born- Leader, who has the vision that drives change and developments in all areas of his life, career and humanity. He is a professional in the Maritime, Haulage, Logistics, Hospitality sectors and much more.

Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa is a power player, a philanthropist, speaker and seasoned consultant – to mention a few of his passions. He has doubtlessly built a career in the Maritime and Hospitality industry with over 30years hands-on experience and an astute leader who believes in CHANGE.

Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa is currently the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOREIGN OPERATIONS OF DUNCAN GROUP OF COMPANIES, CHAIRMAN LAMEBAKENA PROPERTIES, GHANA AND ALSO AIBAKENA VENTURES LIMITED.

In addition, Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa is a Crown Prince of the KWO Dynasty in the Quaan Pan Local Government of Plateau State and equally an aspirant to the vacant stool of the Long Kwo.

• Since the transition to glory of the last occupant of the seat, Late Miskoom Hoomkwap Sule II 33 years ago and the Sool still remains vacant, how do you feel about it?

To say I am super Sad is to speak less of this episode. I can’t really figure out in the whole of my entire existence that Kwo Chiefdom will remain without a Ruler for 33 Years; For me I will rather say it’s an Act of abomination and Our Fore Fathers, where-ever they are today (God Rest Their Souls Amen) will be very sad with what is currently playing out. Of course, this is not the Norms and Values they have impacted on us.
I feel ashamed that our community (KWO) has deteriorated and has since been drawn back due to the leadership tussle over these years. Imagine the development and government supports that the Kwo community would have enjoined if there was a Ruler all these years.

• You are contesting the position of Long Kwo with former Nigerian Ambassador and many other princes who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers, why do you think you are most qualified?

The People of Kwo are yearning for a True and Charismatic leader which is a good attribute of my personality. Over the years, I have worked with my people and understand their pains and sufferings.

I am most qualified, as I have made a lot of impacts and wide consultations with Kwo Religious Leaders, Youths, Private Sectors and other Relevant Stakeholders who see me as competent.

It is difficult for one if given the chance to presume that there is any location within the Plateau vicinity that may have been impaired of having a ruler for 33 years. As I mentioned earlier, there is no way positive development will be actualized in any part of the world without leadership and I am the capable leader that can restore the fortune of the Kwo Chiefdom.

1. If you emerged as the Long Kwo by the grace of thehe kingsmakers, what should the people of Kwo Chiefdom and the entire Plateau expect from you?

A blueprint will be designed and implementation of the developmental projects within various areas of jurisdiction will be my primary focus.
The goal of my kingship will be Education, Agricultural Funding and support from Donor Agencies through Grants and donations to all the communities within the Kwo Chiefdom.

In addition, provision of infrastructure to enhance the standard of living within the Kwo communities will be my primary target.
Also, Initiation of partnership with Top Personalities for developmental projects /CSR and secure the support of both internal and external development agents for the execution of these projects will be given top priorities.

1. The Kwo Chiefdom and the entire Quaan Pan Local Government Area (LGA) is an agrarian rural area, how do you intend to bring to bear your experience in the private sector?

The plan is to ensure that the people are well trained and equipped with the relevant skills to upgrade them after the swot analysis to the modern day mechanized farming through partnership with Foreign, Federal, State and Local Governments funding.
Plants, Machineries and seedlings will be sourced for mechanized farming alongside Professional Farmers. Organizing Seminars and practical sessions on the best way of farming.
These will bring about job opportunities and increase productivity thereby making the Kwo communities economically viable and self-sustaining.

1. What is your advice to your co-contestants as well as the kings makers?

I strongly believe that all the contestants should have genuine concerns regarding the development of Kwo Chiefdom at heart and as such, there would be the need that whoever emerges a Long Kwo should be accepted by all contestants who should join forces with the declared Ruler in the nearest future, in a bid to bring about lasting and sustainable development to our communities.

It is in the light of the above, that I humbly seek the help of my people in laying the foundation of rebuilding Kwo by supporting my ambition with a view to actualizing same.

1. What is your appeal to the Plateau State Government for breaking the jinx to live up to its promise that all vacant traditional stools should be occupied in the state?

I want to sincerely thank His Excellency Rt. Hon Simon Bako Lalong and the Plateau State Government for their support in ensuring a smooth transition.
We also appeal to the State Government to kindly fast track the Electoral process and to create an enabling environment for the people of Kwo to elect a ruler for the Kwo Chiefdom accordingly.

I will like you to also know that the Kwo Communities are peace, loving people and that is why we have been able to carry on for 33 years without a ruler.
Today, some of our cultural values have been thrown over board and we believe it would be reawakened for a new dawn under the new chief.

count | 159

I would reawake our culture , and bring Infrastructural development to Kwo chiefdom if selected – Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa