Use the same conscience, morality to return us – Taraba IDPs beckon Gov. Kefas
By Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo.
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have asked Gov. Agbu Kefas to use the same conscience and morality he used to address the issue the Deputy Governor’s office to return them to their ancestral homes.
In an open appeal to the Governor, Leader of the Wukari IDPs, Hon. Peter Achibo noted that, he was touched by the emphasis of the Governor on conscience, morality and humanity during his address on the issue of the Deputy Governor’s office, urging him to apply same to the long aged IDPs issue.
“I listened attentively to your recent address on the office of the Deputy Governor, and I was touched by your emphasis on conscience, morality, and humanity. You reminded us that the Holy Bible (Galatians 6:2) calls us to “bear one another’s burdens,” and that the Holy Qur’an (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32) teaches that saving one life is as though one has saved all mankind.
“Sir, in that same spirit, I respectfully appeal to you to extend this moral commitment to the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Taraba State, particularly in Wukari LGA. Since 2019, over 260,000 citizens have been uprooted from 240 villages as a result of the Jukun–Tiv violent conflict. Many are still yearning for the chance to return home and rebuild their lives.
“During your electioneering campaign, you promised to facilitate the return of the IDPs within your first week in office. Two years have now passed, and while we understand that governance comes with many challenges, the absence of visible progress has deepened our community’s pain and uncertainty.
“We believe it would send a powerful message of unity and leadership if you were to make a clear public pronouncement inviting the IDPs to return, coupled with firm directives to security agencies to ensure a peaceful, well-coordinated, and dignified process.
“The Holy Bible reminds us in Galatians 3:28 that “in Christ Jesus there is neither Jew nor Gentile” and, in our context, neither Jukun nor Tiv, for we are all one. Likewise, the Holy Qur’an in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13) teaches that God created us into nations and tribes so that we may know one another, not despise one another, “Achibo stated.
He maintained that, the IDPs also participated fully and committedly in the process that brought in Gov. Kefas emphasizing that, resettling them now will not only heal wounds but also, strengthen the trust and unity he spoke about in his address.
“The time for action is fast running out.
History will remember leaders not only for the offices they held but for the burdens they lifted. May God guide you with wisdom and courage to do what is just and right for all, ” he concluded.