The Northern Regional Minister, Stephen Sumani Nanyina has exhorted factions in the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis to approach the Otumfuo Committee with honesty and sincerity. That, he said, is the only way the age-old crisis between the Abudu and Andani gates could be resolved amicably. Mr. Nanyina was speaking at a meeting with elders of the Abudu Gate who called to wish him well in his administration. The two gates have a longstanding chieftaincy dispute that saw the murder of the Ya Na, Yabubu Andani and a number of his subjects in 2002. Following persistent threats to the peace, a committee of eminent chiefs headed by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was set up to mediate between the two gates and find an amicable solution to the crisis. The committee’s work was stalled by the uncompromising stands of the factions. Although a roadmap was drawn with the involvement of both sides, implementation was met with renewed resistance. The regional minister at the meeting with the Abudus said such intransigence was inimical to the resolution of the issues. He regretted that the chieftaincy dispute had made Dagbon a laughing stock and appealed to the people to soften their stands and make compromises. The Abudu elders led by Mahama Abdulai, responding, emphasized the need to pursue uncompromisingly, the roadmap to peace. They said if the roadmap was not followed, the pursuit of peace in the area could remain a particularly seductive illusion. Story by Malik Abass Daabu