We must restore Muri's lost glory, Taraba Speaker charges elite

The Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Prof. Joseph Albasu Kunini has urged the elite in northern Taraba to restore the lost glory of Muri, which was reputed for a bond of unity among its diverse people.

The Speaker told a delegation of the Muri Unity and Development Forum (MUDEF), who paid him a courtesy visit in his Jalingo office, that the term "Muri" was a common denominator and pride of the people in northern Taraba, but they are now at each other's jugular, pursuing divergent interests.

He said: 'I am elated by this visit. With this development I think we are now on thecright track to restore the lost glory of Muri, and there is renewed hope for the people.

'It's indeed cheering news that great minds of Muri have come together to revive and restore its lost glory. I am greatly honoured by this visit today, because it's a rare privilege.

'Muri is an enclave comprising diverse people with common goal and destiny. But these virtues  were gradually eroded over the years because some people believed that certain ethnic groups must not be liberated and given a sense of belonging in the scheme of things in the area'.

He further said: 'We cannot continue to remain in disarray and disharmony over mundane issues. United we stand, divided we fall. The older generation who enjoyed the unity of Muri has let down the younger generation which I belong; but all hope is not lost.

'With this visit, I have a nostalgic feeling. While I was growing up, I heard so much about the strong bond of love and unity among the diverse people of Muri, irrespective of tribe, religion and status. But why the frosty relationship between the people nowadays?

'Let the truth be told. Frankly speaking, the creation of chiefdoms for the people further exacerbated hatred and disunity, which is supposed not to be so. People that coexisted peacefully for several decades suddenly turned against each other. Therefore, let's tell ourselves the truth.

'I am glad with the formation of the Forum. It's a good beginning and I am proud to be called a Muri person. I assure you that I will fit into your programme any time I am called upon'.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the Forum, Prof. Abbas Bashir stated that the formation of MUDEF dated back to the defunct Northeastern State, recalling that it was founded to promote the unity and welfare of the people wherever they found themselves.

'The Muri people were united, irrespective of tribe and religion. But at transition from Gongola to Taraba State, the situation degenerated and there's now lack of unity among the people. 

'Therefore, we sat down and pondered over the situation and decided to revive the Forum for the common goal. Presently Muri comprises eight out of the 16 local government areas in Taraba State. 

'The aim and objective of the Forum is to form a common platform in order to ensure peace and unity as our focal points.

Prof. Bashir, who is also former Vice Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University of Science and Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, said the Forum is apolitical but it has political interests. 'We don't belong to any political party. We must unite for the benefit of posterity. The recent bloodletting crisis in the area was uncalled for.

'We have come to formally inform you about the reactivation and the activities of the Forum. We found ourselves in this situation because we lacked a platform to chart a common course for the Muri people', he explained.

Prof. Bashir informed the Speaker of the Forum's  plan to organise an agricultural show and festival, tagged WASAN GONA, to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Muri people.

The entourage included Ambassador Musa John, Alhaji Babangiga Wambai, Madam Philomena Yavala, His Highness Aminu Umar Mafindi, Hon. Kefas Danmallam, Alhaji Abubakar Ishaku Mafindi, and Hajia Sa'adatu Mafindi.