As the race of who will occupy the Seat of Long Kwo, a Second-Class Chieftaincy title in Qua’anpan Local Government Area, Plateau State that has been vacant for over 33 Years since the demise of the last occupant, Late Miskoom Hoomkwap Sule II gathers momentum, Prince Larry Peters Bawa a business magnate, the Executive Director of Duncan Group of Companies, Lamebakena Properties Ghana has thrown his hat in the ring for one of the most competitive chieftaincy contest in recent times.

It will be recalled that the youths of the area on the 4th of February, 2021 took to the street to peacefully protest the absence of a Traditional Ruler of that important status for 33 years, a situation they believe is unhealthy on account of the critical roles being played by the Traditional Leaders especially peace building, mediating between the people and the State, enhancing national identity, resolving minor conflicts and providing an institutional safety-valve for often inadequate state bureaucracies.

Although Traditional stools do not have formal political power or recognized by the Constitution, in many cases they continue to command respect from their people and have considerable influence.

The protest prompted the State government directive that all vacant traditional stools in the State be occupied.

With the directive by the State government on occupation of all vacant traditional stools, great illustrious Sons of Kwo Chiefdom have indicated interest to contest the position to bring an end to the over 3 decades vacant seat.

Among those contesting for the vacant seat include Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa as earlier mentioned, 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.

Other 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. All are in the contest to emerge the 27th Long Kwo.

As the contest hots up, major concern of one of the contestants, Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa is that once concluded, the Chiefdom will have a King that will address the age long vacancy that has adversely affected it.

Kwo Chiefdom was upgraded from its Kwande Kwande District and granted a 3rd-class of Long Kwo in April, 1981 by the then Governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Lar of blessed memory.
The stool though vacant since 1988 was later upgraded to its present 2nd-class status by Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

Kwo Chiefdom which is a District in Qua’anpan LGA is an agrarian community with industrious and hospitable people who are predominantly farmers.

It should also be noted that the long vacancy was not without legal tussle which led to the Supreme Court clearing all doubt on the leadership tussle as the lost glory of the Chiefdom will soon be restored as the election will hold in no distant time considering the State Governor’s directive.

When contacted to speak about his aspiration, Prince Larry Peters said he is in the contest to add greater value to the people, play the critical mediating role expected of a Traditional Ruler, promote and protect their unique culture/tradition of the people if given the opportunity to be the custodian as well as attract huge development to Kwo Chiefdom.

Prince Larry expressed sadness that Kwo Chiefdom has been without a Ruler for 33 Years.
He said Kwo Community has missed development and government supports on account of the absence of a Ruler who will be their mediator with government at all levels and other well meaning partners.
He posited that it is an abominable act and their forefathers (God rest their soul) will be sad of the development wherever they are.
He said it may be impossible to have any community in the State that has been without a Ruler for 33 Years.

He said if he emerged the 27th Long Kwo, his 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” he said.

In terms of agriculture, he has these to say “the plan is to ensure that the people are well trained and equipped with the relevant skills to upgrade them after the SWIT 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”

He said he 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.

He hinted that the people needs a visionary, purpose driven and charismatic leader that will unite them and attract development to the area.

“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”

Prince Larry Bawa thanked 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” he concluded.

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 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.

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Miskoom Prince Larry Peters Bawa Eyes 33 Years Vacant Long Kwo Traditional Stool