Governor Godswill Akpabio has warned traditional rulers in the state to shun injustice, inequity and unbridled ambition in their affairs.
Akpabio, who gave the charge Tuesday during the swearing in of His Royal Majesty Edidem, (Surveyor) Edem Silas Akpan, the 27th Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs not to follow the youths in extorting money from prospective developers.
According to him, “You are therefore, expected to use your staff of Office, as a shepherd and show direction that will sustain the development tempo of our State in line with the dream and vision of our forebears. We further enjoin you to deepen the existing cordial relationship between the State Government and the traditional institution.
“Furthermore, Royal Fathers should assist the security agents in curbing the menace of crime in our society. A situation where Royal Fathers are alleged to harbour kidnappers, Child traffickers and criminals is alien to our culture. Such acts contravene the sanctity of the traditional institution and should be vehemently abhorred.
The Governor described “Today’s event is significant to me because this is the last time I would perform this sacred duty as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State. But I am happy that together we have had a paradigm shift and even after my departure from office, the principles, ethos and values, which we consciously enshrined in our State shall outlive us. We are happy that we have kept faith with the traditional institution an have together built a solid foundation for the future of our State.
“As a State, we have upheld the ideals and principles of the traditional institution and built a vibrant structure that is an integral part of our polity, thus fulfilling the dream of our forebears. The progenitors of our State dreamt of a land that would offer equal opportunities to all Akwa Ibom citizens. They dreamt of a State devoid of tribal, ethnic, religious, and cultural biases and prejudices. They dreamt of a State founded on the immovable rock of brotherhood, peace, love and harmony.
“The creation of Akwa Ibom State, September 23, 1987, was the fulfillment of a dream. It was achieved through the collective efforts of the young and old, men and women, Traditional Rulers, political leaders, followers, professional organizations, all and sundry. In celebrating that glorious moment and keeping that memory aglow, we need a point of contact between the past and the present. This auspicious occasion, draws the traditional institution into the picture and cements its place in the history of that struggle.
“My dear people, today, in compliance with the Traditional Rulers Law of Akwa Ibom State, I have performed the swearing-in of His Royal Majesty Edidem (Surv.) Edem Silas Akpan, the Nsobom of Uyo Local Government Area, as the 27th Chairman, State Council of Chiefs and presented him with the Staff of Office. By this singular act, the Nsobom of Uyo is mandated to oversee the affairs the traditional rulers council in Akwa Ibom State”, the Governor said.
Akpabio congratulated His Royal Majesty Edidem (Surveyor) Edem Silas Akpan, the 27th Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and applauded the outgone chairman, His Royal Majesty (Prof) Victor Noah Umoh for his meritorious services to our state as Chairman of this revered council.
“His maturity in handling issues and calm disposition”, he pointed out, “were rare virtues and assets of inestimable value to the traditional Institution and Akwa Ibom State. We owe you a debt of gratitude. We shall continue to draw from your profound wisdom even as you remain a member of the Royal Council”.
To the new Chairman, he remarked “His Royal Majesty, you are taking over the affairs of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs at a very decisive and defining moment of our journey as a State. The staff of leadership of the State Council Chiefs has been transferred to you at a time our people are groping for the sustainability of the Uncommon Transformation of our dear State.
Th Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uwem Ita Etuk thanked the Governor for giving the royal fathers a pride of place in the state.
Etuk said there is a synergy between the government and the traditional rulers as custodians of customs and traditions of the people directing the royal fathers from putting a traditional injunction called ‘eyei’ on any land as it is punishable by offence.
He hinted that from January till now, the state government has accorded 164 traditional rulers comprising 157 village heads and seven clan heads in the state.
No comments:
Post a Comment