Following the disagreement between the Taraba State government and the people of Takum local government area of the state over a chieftaincy tittle, members of Kutep Peace Movement (KPM), a socio-cultural organization by indigenous people of Kuteb community, has expressed readiness to embrace dialogue with the state government to resolve the crisis.
The group also said that, although the earlier position of the government has raised eyeballs in their communities and has led into ethnic crisis, they are willing to consider it through a fresh dialogue.
KPM disclosed this during a press briefing in Takum on Monday where it noted that peaceful dialogue is the way forward for any crisis in the state.
The state government had earlier proposed a rotational arrangement for the chieftiancy title, ‘’Ukweh Takum’’ between different ethnic groups in the community, while also renaming the title to ‘’Chief of Takum.’’
The groups to enjoy the rotation of the first class chieftaincy to include; Kuteb, Chamba and Kpanzon people.
Stating further, the socio-cultural group said that ethnic crisis has been the backbone for underdevelopment in Taraba, adding that while the state is struggling to catch up with other states in the country, they cannot afford any crisis that will sabotage the current government’s effort in realizing its objectives.
“The position of the Government is a painful pill but should be considered in the interest of peace. We are calling on the Kuteb nation to backpedal because we are not ready for another war, blood have already been spilled, hundreds of lives have been lost to what a peaceful talk can resolve,’’ KPM said.
They however noted there is always a window for correction through dialogue even after several mistakes and are pledge for the government to ensure fair play on their people through the distribution of the state’s resources as well as on their position on important decision making roles.
“The Kutebs particularly those living in Takum are not fighting the Government or anybody, however the Government must continue to assure us of their sincerity and inclusion in the affairs of Takum both politically and traditionally because we are aborigines of the land” KPM observed.
The movement also said that it has consulted with the elders and stakeholders in Takum and have commenced a process to review its position with the proposal of the government under specific conditions.
While calling on the government to heed their call for the dialogue, KPM has listed some important monuments of historical value to their culture that needs to be preserved in the dialogue going forward.
“The Kutebs living in Takum must be protected in their ancestral lands because we are aborigines of the area. Preservation of Kuteb cultural heritage and the present Ukweh Takum palace must be handed over to the Kuteb nation because of it being a Center of Kuteb’s history and traditions as many of our ancestors were laid in the palace,’’ KPM noted.
They added that Kuteb festivals and traditional rituals will be allowed in Takum within the ambits of the law, and in the State Civil Service and political public offices, their people ‘’must not be victimized, suppressed or intimidated.’’
Furthermore, they maintained that fair political sharing of public offices in Takum local government should be ensured by government, adding that efforts on how Kuteb people can return to their lands and settlements currently occupied by bandits in places like Fawen, Bassang, Kpashi, Muji 1 and 2, Tati, Kpashimbe, Gamgum and other communities should be prioritized by the government.
While reiterating their desire for peace and willingness to live in harmony with Kpanzon and Chamba people, KPM has called on their enraged people both within and outside Taraba to calm their nerves and embrace peace that will help the state government to develop the state.
“We want to call on our war thirsty leaders and stakeholders who are mainly in Abuja and Jalingo to let us embrace peace and dialogue, what peace and dialogue cannot resolve war cannot achieve it, this Government meant well for all, the prompt re-construction of Ussa General hospital, appointments of Kutebs sons and daughters into key Government Committees shows that the Governor Agbu Kefas administration is not out to undermine the Kuteb nation, as a father to the state, we are certain that he will not lead his children to war,” KPM explained.
