Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has tasked traditional rulers to close ranks and complement the effort of the State Government in unifying the State, as he assents to the law for the amendment of the Traditional Rulers Law Cap 155 Laws of Akwa Ibom State to allow rotation of the position of President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
Speaking on the occasion of the swearing-in of newly recognized monarchs, at the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers Chambers, Uyo, after a brief ceremony where he gave executive assent to the law, Governor Eno clarified that his assent to the amendment was part of his administration’s efforts at amicably resolving the lingering issues of ethnicity and occupation of the apex office of the traditional institution.
The Governor congratulated the newly-recognized 11 Clan Heads and 132 Village Heads and urged members of the traditional institution to shun politics and divisive tendencies and collaborate with government to reinforce the aspirations of the ARISE Agenda, especially in areas of security, order and peace for the betterment of the State.
He thanked God for the lives of all the Paramount Rulers and conveyed the 37th anniversary felicitations of his government to them and Akwa Ibom people in their domains.
He particularly commended the Edidem E. C. D. Abia – led seven-man committee for finding ways around the issues that bedevilled the institution over time, and the President-General, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, CFR for holding the forte and ensuring peace while the issues persisted.
Governor Eno affirmed that the amended Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Law has now made the position of President-General rotational across the major ethnic groups, stressing that no ethnic group has superiority over another in the State.
He urged all to come together and work collaboratively to maintain the peace and support the government to succeed.
The State Chief Executive reassured of his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of traditional rulers in the State and announced the donation of Toyota Prado SUVs to four Paramount Rulers in addition to five which was earlier released.
“The theme of our Thanksgiving Service yesterday was taken from Psalms 122: 7, “Peace Within Thy Walls and Prosperity Within Thy Palaces.” It is in that spirit that I most heartily thank you for deciding to reinforce the cementing of layers of peace within the walls of our dear State.
“Permit me to salute you for deciding to collectively resolve an issue that was purely traditional in nature, but unfortunately was allowed to be politicized, the “Traditional Rulers’ Law, Cap. 155, Laws of Akwa Ibom State.
“In my meetings with you, I had reiterated government’s determination to resolve the issue through your active collaboration. I am happy that today, following the great work done by the 7-man committee I had set up to resolve the issue, headed by the Paramount Ruler of Eket, HRM, Edidem E.C.D Abia, the position of the President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers has now been amicably resolved.
“By your unanimous decision, the position will now be rotated amongst the ethnic configurations of our dear State,” the Governor affirmed.
Speaking further, he urged the monarchs to resist the influence of politicians in the conduct of affairs or matters that are purely traditional, adding that Akwa Ibom State is a homogenous society and thus, should celebrate the mix as a unique blessing from God, rather than turn it into a source for strife.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, described the event as a landmark moment of cultural significance.
He praised the Governor for his visionary leadership and dedication to improving rural infrastructure, adding that the administration’s ARISE Agenda has brought notable development to the State and consolidated upon the gains of the past 37 years.
Mr. Archibong highlighted the Governor’s respect for traditional rulers, demonstrated by the timely release of allowances, security, and welfare packages, while assuring of the traditional institution’s commitment to furthering the ARISE Agenda of his administration.
The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, CFR, commended Governor Umo Eno’s peace-loving disposition and pledged the commitment of traditional rulers to maintain their advisory role to ensure peace.
On his part, Chairman Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet commended Governor Eno for his inclusive leadership style and the cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
He equally assured of continuous support to ensure continuous peace, unity and success of the ARISE Agenda.
