MUPEF Vows Collective Action For Peaceful Coexistence In Taraba At Peace Summit

The Muri Patriotic Elders' Forum (MUPEF) has held its first Peace Summit in Jalingo, pledging to promote dialogue, reconciliation and mutual understanding as pathways to lasting peace and development in the Muri Emirate of Taraba State.

The summit, themed "Our Peace, Our Progress," brought together elders from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds to deliberate on challenges affecting the region and proffer solutions for sustainable peace.

Speaking at the event, a Fellow of the Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peace and Conciliation (FICRPC), Dr. Yusha'u Sallau Jen, stressed that mutual respect among communities and tolerance of religious diversity are critical to fostering harmony.

"Peace is not negotiable for sustainable socio-economic development," he said, adding that peaceful coexistence remains the foundation of any pluralistic society.

Dr. Jen noted that despite the rich cultural heritage and abundant natural and human resources in Muri, recurrent communal conflicts have continued to undermine unity, security and development in the area.

According to him, the erosion of shared values, competition over resources and external influences have weakened traditional conflict resolution mechanisms that once held communities together.

"Revitalising these bonds is critical for achieving sustainable peace in the region," he added.

In his presentation, Brigadier General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (rtd), Executive Chairman of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service, described the theme of the summit as a call for unity, resilience and collective responsibility.

"Peace and progress are not accidental; they require deliberate effort, sacrifice and collaboration," he said.

Faransa emphasised that peace and unity are essential for development, noting that they create a stable environment for economic growth, infrastructural expansion and social progress, while conflicts drain resources and destroy livelihoods.

The Grand Patron of MUPEF and Emir of Muri, HRH Alhaji Abbas Njiddah Tafida, represented by the Wazirin Muri, Alhaji Ibrahim Malle, commended the organisers and pledged the support of the Emirate Council toward achieving lasting peace in the area.

In their separate remarks, Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare, Alhaji Hamidu Buba Jen (rtd Deputy Controller of Customs), Surveyor Aliyu Umar, and other stakeholders, including religious leaders, underscored the need for greater unity and collaboration among the people.

Senator Tutare, in particular, blamed political actors for many of the challenges facing the region and the country at large.

"Politicians must change their attitude if we are to build a better society," he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Hassan Ishaku, described MUPEF as a unique platform made up of elders with proven records of service who are committed to leading the Emirate toward peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

He explained that the forum was established to provide a platform for elders to rebuild trust and work collectively for the advancement of Muri.

MUPEF's action plans, according to him, include peacebuilding and promotion, conflict management and resolution through dialogue and mediation, capacity building, campaigns on peace and democracy, and holistic development initiatives for the region.

In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee, Sa'idu Usman Gassol, appreciated participants for their attendance and contributions, wishing them safe journeys back to their respective destinations.

Observers say the summit marks a significant step toward strengthening grassroots peacebuilding efforts and fostering unity across the Muri Emirate.