A’Ibom Progress, Unity Very Sacrosanct – Says Oku Ibom As Etinan Leaders Pay Homage

Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, has enjoined all Akwa Ibom people to collectively pursue and promote ideals and motives that would engender love, unity, and progress in the state.

Ntenyin Etuk stated this at his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area when the leaders and stakeholders of Etinan Local Government Area paid homage to him on Friday.

The premier royal father said the prevalence of the bond of togetherness in Akwa Ibom will help propel the state to higher heights and cement its place in the community of states in Nigeria and beyond.

He maintained that, as supreme head of the traditional institution in Akwa Ibom, he keeps advocating for a united and sincere approach to issues concerning the state.

“We should be committed to making the traditional institution look more attractive. People now covet it, so let’s make it more dignified. I’ve been picked by the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria to visit Libya on a peace mission to reconcile warring factions. With such developments, Akwa Ibom is being recognised and promoted. So let’s support it,” he said.

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Thanking the delegation drawn from the traditional institution, political class, academia, public service, and entrepreneurs for the display of solidarity, the Oku Ibom Ibibio said the state’s traditional institution has always enjoyed a good rapport with Etinan leaders and people.

He admitted that the visit has encouraged and strengthened him, and he also sued for support for traditional rulers at all levels.

He equally drummed support for the administration of Governor Umo Bassey Eno, saying no administration can succeed without the support of the governed.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the Etinan delegation, Dr. Okon Emah, who is the chairman of the Etinan Council of Elders, congratulated the supreme king on his affirmation as life president-general of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.

Dr. Emah thanked God for making a good son of Etinan Federal Constituency the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and he also thanked God for the wisdom given to former governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel for the thought of the creation of the President General, which brought Akwa Ibom State Traditional Council into the politics of traditional rulers in Nigeria.

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“Today it is not only the Obong of Calabar that is given recognition and invitation to some national meetings, but we also have our own Oku Ibom Ibibio, making Akwa Ibom State one of the states with a first-class traditional ruler.

“Let us live in peace with each other, giving respect where it should be given. Please let us avoid squabbles but focus on the good developments that His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, is bringing to Akwa Ibom State,” he added.

In his speech, the Executive Chairman of Etinan, Hon. Cletus Ekpo, assured Oku Ibom Ibibio of the support of his people.

A member representing Etinan State Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, equally gave a nod of approval to the throne. He said he felt fulfilled to have been part of the legislation that birthed the amendment of the TRC Law.

The Paramount Ruler of Etinan, HRM Edidem Aniefiok Monday Akpanobong, also pledged utmost solidarity to the state and the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.

Other speakers, including Isantim Kenneth Okon, Otuekong Sunny Jackson, Dr. Asikpo Essien-Ibok, and Barr Ime Essien-Udom, all thumbed to the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for giving a seal of approval for the upgrade of the traditional institution. They equally congratulated Oku Ibom Ibibio.

Otuekong Jackson noted that the task of achieving heightened unity and progress remains a daunting but achievable one. He called on all hands to be on deck for the dream to come to fruition.

He appreciated Oku Ibom Ibibio for accepting to lead the traditional institution as life president.

Other Paramount Rulers at the ceremony were HRM Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang, Itu LGA; HRM Edidem (Elder) Akpan Akpan Ekpene, Mkpat Enin LGA; HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, Uyo LGA; HRM Edidem Etim Charles Daniel Abia, Eket LGA; HRM Edidem Peter Okon Effiong, Nsit Atai LGA; HRM Edidem Cosmas Bassey Nkanga, Uruan LGA; HRM Edidem Etim N. Itang, Ikono LGA; and scores of other traditional rulers.

Among the dignitaries from Etinan were Mr. Uko Udom, SAN, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Prof. Ntiedo Umoren; Dr. Inemesit Itina; Hon. Idongesit Udofia; Engr. Billy Etuk; and Mr. Uko Umo.

The event featured a presentation of gift items to the Oku Ibom Ibibio, and cultural displays also ensued.