Akwa Ibom gov inaugurates traditional rulers council, sues for peace

Nteyin Etuk, paramount ruler of Nsit Ubium local government area, has been sworn in as chairman of Akwa Ibom state traditional rulers council.

Udom Emmanuel, governor of the state, swore him in as part of activities to mark the 32nd anniversary of the state.

Also sworn into office were seven new paramount rulers with a charge on them to collaborate with government in the administration of the state to fast track development, maintain peace and stability in their jurisdiction.

Emmanuel congratulated them on their selection to the stool of their ancestors.

He said the selection is in keeping with the law guiding traditional matters in the state, adding that the 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 forum of traditional rulers within the country and beyond.

He also suggested that family heads could be made to participate in the traditional rulers council meeting for a robust deliberation on topical issues and that first class clan heads being the most senior should be allowed to run the affairs of the council where the paramount ruler is indisposed.

He, therefore, called for an amendment in the extant laws to ease this transition.

The governor, however, frowned at the situation where members of the paramount rulers’ family conceal the health status of their patriach, 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 patriach 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.

Emmanuel announced plans for a befitting palace with accommodation for the chairman, state traditional rulers council and also promised to improve on the welfare of the royal fathers.

Earlier,  Udo Ekpenyong, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, expressed appreciation to the governor for the priority being given to the traditional institution, payment of their stipends and provision of vehicles and sundry allowances.

He said the selection of new paramount rulers was expedient to fill up the vacuum created by the loss of paramount rulers in the affected local government councils.