Esther Bali, the widow of Gen. Domkat Bali, says contrary to falsehood surrounding the Ponzhi Tarok stool, her husband declined to be made the community’s traditional ruler.

She disclosed this at a public presentation of the book ‘Gen Domkat Yah Bali As Ponzhi Tarok Designate: A Contextual Analysis of the Imbroglio, 1990-2020’ on Sunday night in Abuja.

The widow said the book was to set the record straight regarding the falsehood and rumours on the stool in the build-up to the deceased’s selection and appointment as Ponzhi Tarok-designate.

“The book is sequel to my discussion with a respected elder statesman who is in the know regarding the false rumours that were circulated regarding my husband, which he brought to my attention,” stated Ms Bali. “The privileged information greatly motivated me to set the record straight for the historical benefit of the present and succeeding generations.”

She added that the backdrop of the development was characterised by rumours, lies, deceit, among others, adding that Nigerians must always keep a record to help document the truth.

“As a realist, my husband initially declined their offer to be Ponzhi Tarok with humility and all sense of responsibility bearing in mind his declining health condition,” Mr Bali’s widow added.

Ms Bali also mentioned that the deceased admitted that his health would not enable him to execute the duties of Ponzhi Tarok effectively, pointing out that her husband presented the Tarok kingmakers with an alternative candidate.

“As they insisted, the Plateau government published a new gazette, which did not follow due process in order to install him, but the installation was not possible until his death,” said the widow.

Ms Bali further stated that the deceased followed due process because of two restraining court orders and informed the Plateau government of his desire to resign, which they accepted officially.

The widow said after that, Mr Bali immediately relinquished the position while urging the government to begin the process that would lead to the emergence of Ponzhi Tarok.

(NAN)