The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has sworn in the new chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers Council, Nteyin Solomon Etuk who is also the Paramount Ruler Nsit Ubium.
He also swore in seven new paramount rulers as part of activities to mark the 32nd anniversary of the State.
They are HRM Okuku Sylvester Udofia,
(Abak); Edidem Peter Okon Effiong, (Nsit Atai); Edidem Etim Edward Akpan, (Ini);
Okuku Engr Johnson Obosi, (Oruk Anam); Edidem Cosmas Bassey Nkanga, (Uruan);
Okuku Engr. Amos Daniel Akpan, (Ukanafun) and Obong Okon Asuquo Abang, (Mbo).
Addressing the monarchs in Uyo, the governor charged them to collaborate with the government in the administration of the state to fast track development, maintain peace and stability in their jurisdiction.
Emmanuel who also presented staff of office to the monarchs said the selection was in line with the law guiding traditional matters in the state stressing that he power to select the paramount rulers resides with the government and not election.
Emmanuel urged the people to present men of character, enlightenment and exposure to serve in their traditional stool as they could be called upon to represent the state in any form of traditional rulers within the country and beyond.
He also suggested that family heads could be made to participate in the Traditional Rulers Council meetings for a robust deliberation on topical issues while first-class clan heads being the most senior should be allowed to run the affairs of the council when the paramount ruler is indisposed.
The governor therefore called for an amendment in the extant laws to ease the transition.
Nevertheless, Emmanuel frowned at the situation in which members of the paramount rulers’ family conceal the health status of their patriarch, and if deceased, refuse to announce it thus preventing the selection of a new one.
He directed that rather than the practice of hiding information about a deceased patriarch for selfish reasons, whenever a paramount ruler is late or weak, the most senior clan head should represent the royal father to allow for a seamless change of baton.
The governor announced plans for a befitting palace with accommodation for the chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council and also promised to improve on the welfare of the monarchs.
Earlier in his remarks, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr. Udo Ekpenyong, expressed appreciation to the governor for the priority given to the traditional institution in terms of payment of stipends and provision of vehicles and sundry allowances.
He said the selection of new paramount rulers was expedient to fill the vacuum created by the loss of paramount rulers in the affected local government councils.
In his response, Etuk, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify the mandate given to him.
