The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has advised traditional chiefs and local government chairmen to follow the law and refrain from commenting on matters involving land boundaries.
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He claimed that such statements belong in the governor’s office and shouldn’t be interfered with by outside parties.
The governor delivered the address at the Traditional Rulers Council Chambers, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, where nine newly recognized clan heads were certified and the Paramount Ruler of Ini Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Udoette Edon, was sworn in and presented with staff of office.
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He thanked the newly sworn-in royal fathers and expressed appreciation for their support and contributions to the achievement of his government. He also urged them to follow their oath of office in the performance of their duties.
He declared, “The governor, not the paramount ruler, is entrusted with ownership of every single parcel of land in the state. Only the state governor has the authority to pronounce limits, not any paramount ruler. Please avoid any paramount ruler who might confuse people.
“Let no one intrude on this state’s tranquility out of self-interest. Let’s keep loving in harmony and peace. If you have any problems, let the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs know. I’ll then be informed right away, and the Attorney General will join us as we pursue the appropriate legal remedies. Please refrain from using any improper pronounciations.
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“I also want to admonish that no local government chairman has the authority to define the border of any state or local government region. If you do that, the law will undoubtedly follow its course and you will be unfit to hold that post.
The Akwa Ibom Chief Executive also took advantage of the opportunity to call for cooperation between the traditional institutions and the local government, while warning traditional leaders—from village chiefs on up—to show respect for those in positions of authority.
He specifically gave the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, a vote of confidence for consistently carrying out the duties of his office.
The event’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, gave a speech during which he expressed the joy of the royal fathers in commemorating with Governor Emmanuel the state’s 35-year progress toward economic development, peace, unity, and prosperity.
The Commissioner thanked the governor for giving the traditional fathers pride of place and assured him that they would continue to play a part in upholding peace in their varied spheres of influence.
His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, the president general of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, praised Governor Udom Emmanuel for supporting and acknowledging the traditional stool to carry out the duty of maintaining peace in the state and urged the Akwa Ibom people to support the governor to succeed.
The administration of the oath of allegiance and oath of office to the new Paramount Ruler was one of the event’s highlights. This was followed by the presentation of the Certificate of Recognition, the Office Staff, and a brand-new Toyota Prado SUV as the official vehicle.