A prominent chief in the Northern Region has blamed the current chieftaincy disputes and conflicts in the country on the failure of the people to speak and stand up for the truth. He noted that people were afraid to speak the truth either because of self-interest or for fear of offending powerful people in the society. The Kpembewura, Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna Kibasibi, made this observation at a joint meeting of the Standing and Research Committee of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, some staff of Pacific Institute of Seattle, United States and other stakeholders in Tamale on Monday. The meeting was to develop the potential and individual capacities of the chiefs to better organise themselves to be able to address problems and resolve conflicts in their communities. Alhaji Kibasibi said the chieftaincy institution, which held the people together as well as the security of the state was in danger if the truth "is thrown to the dogs". He urged religious leaders to lead the crusade in educating the people to uphold the truth at all times. Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Northern Regional Minister, said research had shown that the conflict situation in the region was cyclical and that every 10 years one or two conflicts would erupt adding: "It is time to reverse the trend". He said the political leadership of the three northern regions had identified conflicts as a setback to development and had introduced the Sustainable Peace Initiative (SPI). He said the SPI sought to introduce holistic and sustainable approaches to conflict management and peace building in an integrated framework. Alhaji Idris said the first phase of the SPI programme had been completed and the Ministers of the three regions and their District Chief Executives had promised to work together with to raise funds for development. Mr Rick Steere, a Master Facilitator of the Pacific Institute, said the institute's objective was to teach people to manage change, set and achieve meaningful goals and think in ways that create success. He said for one to effect positive change, one needed to be involved in what he believed in. Source: GNA