As Gov Eno pledges cooperation
The committee set up by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to resolve the impasse surrounding the amended the states Traditional Rulers’ Law 2023, has presented its report, recommending the rotation of the highest traditional stool, including the Chairman and President-General of the Traditional Rulers’ Council.
The committee, headed by the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E. C. D. Abia, submitted its report to the Governor at Government House, Uyo, after two months of engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Edidem Abia explained that the committee’s recommendation for a rotational approach was informed by the peculiar nature of the state and the need for peace and unity.
He noted that the committee relied on memoranda from various ethnic groups, including Ifim Ibom Ibibio, Annang, Oro, and Obolo, which all agreed on the need for rotation.
The committee’s report addresses the grey areas in the amended law, including the tenure of traditional headship and the leadership of the Traditional Rulers’ Council.
Responding, Governor Umo Eno assured that he would study the recommendations and draft a Bill reflecting the true wishes of all parties, which would be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for legislation.
Commissioner of the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong, in his remarks, 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 and had the Paramount Ruler of Eket LGA, Edidem E. C. D. Abia as Chairman, with the Paramount Ruler of Itu, Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang; 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 Ime Udousoro Inyang as members, while Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, Secretary, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, served as the Committee’s Secretary.
The presentation of the report was witnessed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, and the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Uko Udom among others.
Setting up the Committee was a good decision, but accepting and implementing the recommendations would be better. Former Gov Udom could have known better before embarking on the amendment of the law to subject some groups to perpetual second class condition.
That’s very true, Sir
Exactly!