Without peace, unity and tranquility, development has obviously eluded many communities. This has been the situation of many communities in Taraba state experiencing violent crisis for some time now. Bearing in mind the importance of peaceful co-existence for meaningful development, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku has commenced a peace process in the state by meeting with relevant stakeholders. One of such was the meeting and breaking of fast with tradition rulers. Taraba state has about 80 ethnic groups and two major religions of Christianity and Islam.
The state also has abundant natural resources in the areas of agriculture and solid minerals, but instead of adequately utilizing the diverse resources for the development of the state, clashes between ethnic and religious groups have led to unwanted consequences for the affected communities and the state at large.
To amend this, stakeholders must meet and seek ways of promoting peaceful co-existence which the Taraba state Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, says is cardinal for his rescue mission. In furtherance of the peace drive, the Governor has been meeting with religious and ethnic groups and traditional rulers, which he recently held with the state Council of Chiefs during which he emphasized their pivotal role in achieving the desired objectives in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the state traditional rulers, the Chairman, Council of Chiefs, the Aku Uka of Wukari, Shekarau Angyu, Massa Ibi Kuvyo Il called for a legislation that will give them better recognition and strengthen their roles. After the meeting, it was time to break the fast with the traditional leaders with Deputy Governor Haruna Manu and other top government functionaries present, who before then, observed the evening prayers and prayed for the peace and unity of the state.
Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku then re-echoed his determination to establish peace and unity among the people of the state. Then the Kpanti Zing responded on behalf of the Royal Fathers, describing the occasion as first of its kind which will foster mutual understanding and tolerance among the people
The traditional rulers left with high optimism to meet with their subjects to promote the needed peaceful co-existence, calling for continuity of such a forum.