A statement by TVW coordinators, Ismaila Inusa and James Bauka said his presence at the Jolly Nyame Stadium caused quite a stir for many good reasons. “We first and foremost commend his old rivals like Senator Emmanuel Bwacha who showed great magnanimity in victory, who arguably was the biggest fighter in the battle royal and yet was there beaming smiles and greeting Umar in the most cordial manner,” it said.
TVW added that it was delighted at the former acting Governor’s return. “By wearing that adire, the most significant symbol of power shift to southern Taraba, he has shown that he is a team player after all. Now his followers would have to follow suit and embrace peace and dialogue as the way out of the state’s political logjam.”