Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the appointment of Personal Assistants to Paramount Rulers across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State, alongside the payment of allowances to the appointees.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, announced this on Friday during the ministry’s ministerial briefing in Uyo, describing the initiative as part of the governor’s practical commitment to improving the welfare and status of the traditional institution.
Mkpisong Archibong said the administration had also provided new official vehicles to all 31 Paramount Rulers, including the replacement of seven unserviceable vehicles belonging to some of them as well as vehicles for Local Government Chairmen, as well as immediate past and serving Chairmen of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
He also stated that the Governor donated a 32-seater Coaster bus to the traditional institution to facilitate collective official engagements, workshops, conferences, inspection tours, social functions and recreational activities.
According to him, the interventions demonstrate that the Eno administration is not only recognising the traditional institution, but also providing the necessary support and logistics to enable it to function effectively.
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The Commissioner added that the administration had sponsored traditional rulers to participate in training programmes, workshops, retreats, conferences, peacebuilding initiatives, as well as cultural and development events within and outside the state.
Mkpisong Archibong further announced that Governor Eno had recently approved an increase in the allowances of traditional rulers to reflect prevailing economic realities.
Other welfare provisions, he said include regular security votes for Paramount Rulers, quarterly health assistance for the monarchs and Christmas packages for all categories of traditional rulers.
