Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has tasked traditional rulers to close ranks and complement the efforts of his administration in unifying the state, as he assented to the amendment of the Traditional Rulers Law Cap 155 of Akwa Ibom State, allowing for the rotation of the position of President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of newly recognized monarchs at the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers Chambers, Uyo, following 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 to amicably resolve lingering issues of ethnicity and the occupation of the apex office within 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. He called on them to collaborate with the government to reinforce the aspirations of the ARISE Agenda, particularly 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 his government’s 37th-anniversary felicitations to them and the people of Akwa Ibom in their domains.
He particularly commended the seven-man committee led by Edidem E. C. D. Abia for finding solutions to the issues that had plagued the institution over time, and he praised the President-General, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, CFR, for holding the fort 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 everyone to come together and work collaboratively to maintain peace and support the government to succeed.
The Governor reassured the traditional rulers of his administration’s commitment to prioritizing their welfare and announced the donation of Toyota Prado SUVs to four Paramount Rulers, in addition to the five 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 which, unfortunately, was allowed to be politicized: the ‘Traditional Rulers’ Law, Cap. 155, Laws of Akwa Ibom State.’
“In my meetings with you, I reiterated the government’s determination to resolve the issue through your active collaboration. I am happy that today, following the great work done by the seven-man committee I 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 among the ethnic configurations of our dear state,” the Governor affirmed.
Speaking further, he urged the monarchs to resist political influence in matters that are purely traditional, adding that Akwa Ibom State is a homogenous society and should celebrate its diversity as a unique blessing from God, rather than turning it into a source of 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. He also assured the traditional institution’s commitment to furthering the ARISE Agenda of the 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 maintaining their advisory role to ensure peace.
On his part, Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, commended Governor Eno for his inclusive leadership style and his cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
He equally assured continuous support to ensure peace, unity, and the success of the ARISE Agenda.
