The Akwa Ibom state Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has backed the amended Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers’ Law, but said he would not want to meddle into the issue involving traditional fathers.
Playing a dual roles, the Governor hosted Paramount Rulers from 29 out of the 31 LGAs of the State over the lingering issue of power rotation.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ekerete Udoh, made this known in a Facebook post on Tuesday April 16, 2024.
Moreso, the lingering issue arised from the amended Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers’ Law.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Rulers of Ibeno and Ini LGAs respectively were absent on health grounds.
With a gut feeling of having made a good decision, the Governor said:
“We won’t want to meddle into this issue involving our revered traditional fathers.”
“But I thank you most sincerely for heeding my call.”
However, “It is through your support and the support of all Akwaibomites that I was elected to this office.”
Therefore, “I always pray that God will help me to always do my best to satisfy the majority of Akwa Ibom people.
For instance, “I have gone to Ibibio, Annang and Oro lands to sue for peace on this issue.”
Also, “let me thank Barr Ekpenyong Ntekim for accepting to cooperate with us to resolve this matter out of court.
“The position of everyone from your submissions, is that you have all agreed on the principle of rotation for the position of the President -General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.”
“That is why we are setting up a 7- man Committee drawn from this revered body to make recommendations concerning the mode or structure of the rotation and submit the conclusions to us, in two weeks.”
Furthermore, “We will thereafter, send the recommendations to the State House of Assembly for further considerations”, he said.
Meanwhile , the Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo, Edidem (Prof.) Amanam Udo, Paramount Ruler of Mbo Owong Okon Abang, and that of Ibesikpo Asutan, Edidem Clement Francis Ekpenyong, supported the setting up of the committee, on behalf of their colleagues.
Also, commending the Governor for the excellent manner he has handled the matter, the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, supported the Governor’s idea to look into the issue.
Speaking on the power rotation, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, CFR, also sued for peace.
He said they were all bound by the same cords of unity.
In addition, “It is not about me, it is about the unity and peace of our dear State.”
Also, “I am an in- law in Annang land, and my son is married in Udung Uko LGA in Oro land.”
“We are all one and we must embrace peace for our State to progress”, he explained.
In his vote of thanks, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim a Counsel to some Royal Father described Governor Umo Eno as a man of peace.
Ntekim who initially instituted a court action on the issue, thanked the Governor for setting up the committee.
The members of the constituted 7-Man Committee include:
HRM Edidem Etim Charles Daniel Abia,FCA, Paramount Ruler of Eket – Chairman.
HRM Edidem (Dr.) Edet Akpan Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Itu- Member.
Edidem (Prof.) Amanam Akpanudo Uko, Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo, Member.
HRM Akuku Okon Udo Ukut, Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Member.
HRM Owong Okon Asukwo Abang, Paramount Ruler of Mbo LGA, Member.
HRM Edidem Ita Edet Okokon, Paramount Ruler of Okobo LGA, Member.
HRM Okuku (Dr.) Ime Udousoro Inyang,JP, Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Member.
While Dr.Emmanuel Umontuen, Secretary, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, wil function as the Committee Secretary.
Truth Live News learned that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Director General of Government Business, Chief Assam Assam,SAN, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, and the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince ( Dr.) Godwin Ntukudeh, attended the meeting.