Gazum community of Langtang North Local Government Council of Plateau State has described the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, which voided the selection of General Domkat Bali (rtd) as Ponzhi Tarok as an important step that would lead to the peaceful resolution of the impasse surrounding the stool.

The community, in a statement signed by President of Gazum Development Association, Clement Charman and made available to journalists in Jos, said what happened in 2010 under the guise of selection of Bali as Ponzhi Tarok was nothing but desecration of the custom and tradition of the Tarok people, which will not stand the test of time. The statement further stated that a matter as important as chieftaincy must be handled with care, as it involves the history and tradition of a people.

Gazum community of Langtang North Local Government Council of Plateau State has described the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, which voided the selection of General Domkat Bali (rtd) as Ponzhi Tarok as an important step that would lead to the peaceful resolution of the impasse surrounding the stool.

The community, in a statement signed by President of Gazum Development Association, Clement Charman and made available to journalists in Jos, said what happened in 2010 under the guise of selection of Bali as Ponzhi Tarok was nothing but desecration of the custom and tradition of the Tarok people, which will not stand the test of time. The statement further stated that a matter as important as chieftaincy must be handled with care, as it involves the history and tradition of a people.

“As it stands today, the lawful instrument for the selection of Ponzhi Tarok is the 1975 Gazzette and any attempt to expunge the Gazum people as heir to the throne will be unacceptable. It is recalled that the Court of Appeal, sitting in Jos has ruled that the sitting Ponzhi Tarok, the paramount ruler of the Tarok people, Bali, cannot summon, preside or partake in any meeting of the Langtang Joint Traditional Council or undertake any action as the Ponzhi Tarok.

The ruling was part of the judgment in a cross appeal entered by three district heads and members of the electoral college, who have since 2010 challenged the selection of Bali as the Ponzhi Tarok.

The district heads of Langtang, Gazu and Bwarat, Nicholas Musa, Joab Dadi and Selchak Sambo respectively instituted a court action in 2010 against the Ponzhi Tarok, Secretary of the Langtang Joint Traditional Council, the state Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney General of Plateau State and the Langtang Joint Traditional Council, claiming that the selection of General Bali was not conducted in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tarok people.

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Ponzhi Taroh stool: Gazum community hail court for verdict on Gen. Domkat Bali