By Bala Dauda,Jalingo
The National President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Honour Sirawo on Friday urged the newly appointed Majidadin Muri emirate in Taraba, Alhaji Aminu Jika, to promote unity among various ethnic groups in the state.
Sirawo made the plea in Jalingo when he presented a congratulatory letter to the chief, who is SWAN’s patron in the state.
He commended the emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Tafida, for finding Jika worthy of such a “well deserved” appointment.
The President expressed confidence that Jika would perform his leadership function with high sense of responsibility, having held several high profile positions in the in the past.
Represented by SWAN’s Vice President, North East Zone, Alhaji Sadiq Moyoyo, Sirawo said the association would continue to maintain cordial working relationship with the chief as he commenced his new assignment.
Responding, Jika , a former commissioner for Information and Secretary to the State Government(SSG), urged journalists to use their skills to de-escalate tension arising from historical grievances among ethnic groups in the state.
TG News reports that since 1804, Fulani people had conquered and ruled over various ethnic groups in Muri, a territory comprising of eight local government areas in the state.
He said nursing grudges rooted from alleged injustice meted on the ethnic minorities during the conquest was not only divisive but partly responsible for violent conflicts in the area.
“ Help us in sensitizing our people against the dangerous habit of escalating our historical wounds and grievances, which is capable of consuming all of us. We are supposed to not only tolerate but accommodate one another.
“ The origin of man is the same; even though with different branches. l believe we stand to achieve better things when we are united than when we are divided, and this where journalists have a critical role to play,” he said.
While thanking SWAN for the letter, the chief promised to devote most of his time in addressing friction among ethnic groups in Muri for peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development.
