The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno said he is committed to implementing recommendations of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers’ Law 2023 to enhance good governance and harmony among the people.
Eno reacted after he received report from the committee set up to address the issues arising from the amended Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers’ Law 2023.
The Governor stated on his verified Facebook page; “I received the report from the committee set up to address the issues arising from the amended Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers’ Law 2023.”
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the committee members for their dedication to this important task in the interest of peace. The report addresses key issues such as the rotation of the highest traditional stool and the tenure of the traditional headship, ensuring fair representation and unity across our state.”
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The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain stated further; “The recommendations were based on extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, reflecting a strong consensus on the need for rotational leadership in the highest traditional stool.”
He noted “This approach will foster peace and unity, benefiting all ethnic groups within Akwa Ibom. I am committed to implementing these recommendations to enhance the governance and harmony of our traditional institutions.”
Earlier in the day, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno had received the report of the committee set up to resolve the impasse and find lasting solutions to the issues arising from the amended Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers’ Law 2023.
The report was presented to Governor Eno at Government House, Uyo, barely two months after he constituted a seven-man committee headed by the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E. C. D. Abia.
Speaking shortly after receiving the report, the Governor assured all of his commitment to study the recommendations made by the committee and thereafter, come up with a draft bill reflecting the true wishes of all parties concerned, which will be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for necessary legislation.
He thanked members of the committee for accepting to serve in the interest of peace, expressing the belief that the report has addressed all the grey areas including issues of rotation of the highest traditional stool, the tenure of the traditional headship as well as the Chairman and President-General of the Traditional Rulers Council.
The Chairman of the committee, Edidem E. C. D Abia applauded Governor Eno for the bold step taken in setting up the committee in the interest of peace and unity in the State, describing him as a true leader.
While analysing the report, the Eket royal monarch blamed the disagreements that arose from the earlier amended law to inadequate consultation, noting that the committee has taken time to engage relevant stakeholders in the interest of all.
According to him, the committee, cognizant of the peculiar nature of the state, strongly recommended a rotational approach in the leadership of the highest traditional stool for the overall peace and unity of the state.
In carrying out its assignment, Edidem Abia said the committee relied on memoranda by Ifim Ibom Ibibio on one hand and the Paramount Rulers of Annang, Oro, and Obolo ethnic groups on the other hand, which all agreed on the need for rotation in the headship of the traditional stool for maximum benefit to the state and as obtained in other states in the region.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong said the committee was allowed a free hand to explore and address all issues contained in the terms of reference, with zero interference from his ministry.
The seven-man committee was constituted on April 16, 2024 with the Paramount Ruler of Eket LGA, Edidem E. C. D. Abia as its Chairman; the Paramount Ruler of Itu, Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang; the Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo LGA, Professor Amanam Akpanudo Uko; Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Akuku Okon Udo Ukut; Paramount Ruler of Mbo LGA, Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang; Paramount Ruler of Okobo LGA, Edidem Ita Edet Okokon; Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Okuku (Dr.) Ime Udousoro Inyang as members while Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, Secretary, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, served as the Committee’s Secretary.
The presentation was witnessed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN and a one -time Attorney-General in the state, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim who was counsel to a section of the traditional rulers.
