By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
The Muri Patriotic Elders Forum (MUDEF) in Taraba State has concluded plans to host a high-profile Peace Summit aimed at further strengthening peace and unity among the people of the historic Muri enclave.
The summit is designed to foster harmony across the eight local government areas that make up the Muri axis, Jalingo, Gassol, Ardo Kola, Karim Lamido, Lau, Bali, Yorro and Zing, whose people are collectively advocating for the creation of Muri State out of the present Taraba State.
As a leading voice in the agitation for the proposed Muri State, MUDEF is intensifying efforts to mobilise the people of the enclave towards sustaining the long-standing cordial relationships among the diverse communities inhabiting the area.
Briefing members during a meeting in Jalingo, the Chairman of the MUDEF Technical Committee and a key figure in the Muri State movement, Alhaji Hussaini Umar Mafindi, disclosed that the Peace Summit would attract a wide array of eminent personalities.
Expected participants include high-ranking politicians, graded traditional rulers, national and state legislators, as well as past and serving local government chairmen.
Others to grace the summit are Muslim and Christian clerics, traditional and community leaders, business leaders, youth leaders from various tribes and organisations, senior civil servants, representatives of different ethnic nationalities resident in Muri, academics, sons and daughters of the enclave, and representatives of security agencies operating in the area.
He noted that the list of invitees would be reviewed and expanded as the event date approaches.
Mafindi emphasised that peace, unity, trust and confidence are the foundations of a formidable and respected society, values MUDEF is promoting to reshape the narrative of the Muri people.
He lamented that internal divisions, misunderstanding, and animosity have hindered progress in the past, stressing the need for love, mutual respect and trust to drive rapid development, growth and prosperity through inclusiveness.
“We cannot achieve anything without unity. United we stand to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
“I hope that at the end of the summit, we will arrive at acceptable, workable and enduring modalities for reconciliation among our people,” Mafindi said.
He urged members of the forum to prioritise relationship-building and collective action towards shared objectives, while expressing appreciation for the planned Peace Summit scheduled for January 26, 2025.
According to him, peace, unity and harmony remain critical to the growth of the Muri Emirate and the realisation of the Muri State project.
Mafindi also called on the people of Muri to give MUDEF their full support in its pursuit of lasting peace, prosperity and the actualisation of Muri State, noting that the constitutional requirements for state creation have been met. He further appealed for sustained prayers to support the cause.
He concluded by urging all sons and daughters of Muri to attend the Peace Summit, describing it as a vital platform to deepen unity, strengthen peaceful coexistence and accelerate the progress and development of the Muri enclave.
