June 12: Oku Ibom Ibibio Urges Leaders To Deepen Democracy, Prioritise National Interest

As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, has called on leaders to place the nation’s interest above personal or political ambition, especially as the country inches towards the 2027 general elections.

In a statement commemorating June 12 Democracy Day celebrations, the Akwa Ibom premier royal father praised Nigeria’s resilience in sustaining civil rule since 1999, describing it as a major milestone for Africa’s most populous nation.

He, however, stressed that democracy must translate into measurable gains for the people in our everyday life experience through justice, equity and even development.

“Let’s not take the privilege of democracy for granted. To have experienced 26 years of democratic rule is not an easy feat but we must continue to work towards the improvement of the well-being of the common Nigerian,” he enthused.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold steps in steering the country through economic and infrastructural reforms, Ntenyin Etuk acknowledged His Excellency’s efforts in initiating the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project which will attract investment and boost businesses around the South-South/South-West nay the country as well.

The premier monarch decried the spate of insecurity that has plagued various parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast and North-central regions, where a good number of people have lost their lives and property worth billions of naira destroyed.

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He called for renewed commitment by both federal and state governments to tackle banditry, insurgency and communal conflicts with firmness and tact.

“Our democracy cannot and should not thrive in fear. We must act swiftly to protect the lives and property of our people across the nation, lest we suffer more casualties in the future,” he advised.

The Oku Ibom Ibibio applauded successive administrations in Akwa Ibom State for laying a solid foundation of development over the years.

He gave special commendation to Governor Umo Eno for the positive strides recorded under the ARISE Agenda, which has brought growth and people-focused projects to all corners of the state.

“I commend His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for translating his vision into visible projects across urban and rural communities. His people-centric style of governance is a reflection of what true democracy dividends should look like,” he stated.

As for the 2027 general elections, Ntenyin Etuk urged political leaders and parties to place the survival and unity of Nigeria above personal ambition, warning against actions that may fuel division, violence and political instability.

The monarch, who is an executive member of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), called for the exhibition of issue-based politicking, stressing that the upcoming 2027 general elections should serve as an opportunity to consolidate democratic gains and not as a setback.

The royal father further called on all Nigerians, leaders and citizens alike, to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, justice, equity and service to the nation.
He said, “Nigeria is our beloved nation.

“We have the collective responsibility to make it as we desire. Only a healthy nation can be good enough to meet the needs of the citizenry. Let’s make Nigeria great.”