New Year Message: Oku Ibom Ibibio Calls For Unity, Love And Tolerance
... Advises Against Thuggery, Bloodshed On Forthcoming Polls
The premier traditional ruler in Akwa Ibom State, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR has called on the people to let love, unity and tolerance prevail at all times as we enter a New Year.
Ntenyin Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, said when there is peace and tranquillity, the society will witness progress and prevalence of security that are required for development to thrive at all times.
Speaking in his 2023 New Year Message, entitled “Let Peace, Love and Tolerance Reign”, Ntenyin Etuk, who is the paramount ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area and a member of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), said the year 2023 will be what we make of it, and urged indigenes of Akwa Ibom State and residents alike, to abide together peacefully.
“We thank the God Almighty for taking us through 2022 and making us live and see 2023, which we prayed. The goodness of the Lord in our lives is immense and worthy of gratitude at all times.
“Let me advise that life is a function of inputs. As often said on the computer, “Garbage in, Garbage Out”, how we conduct our lives daily in pursuit of interests and relationships with one another will shape how the New Year will be for us.
“We are a State that the God Almighty has blessed with enormous human and natural resources. Our lifestyles will determine the extent to which we can reap our endowment and endeavours. Let us fine-tune our attitude to realise our expectations in the New Year,” he said.
The Oku Ibom Ibibio, who is the Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, further noted that with the coming of elections within the first quarter of the year, citizens, especially politicians and their supporters must eschew the propensity for violence and hatred against other contestants.
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He said, “In February and March 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct polls for the election of a new President of Nigeria to succeed His Excellency, Mr Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Members of the Senate and House of Representatives as well as Governors and members of the State Houses of Assembly.
“I appeal to our political parties, leaders, candidates and supporters to give peace a chance throughout campaigns, elections, and even thereafter. Power is given by God. When he wills it to someone, nothing can change it.”
The Oku Ibom Ibibio cautioned youths to avoid being used for thuggery and shedding of blood by candidates or political chieftains throughout the electioneering periods, stating that their lives matter more than the ambition of any individual.
He also called on those in authority, be it private or public service, from the local government areas to the federal levels, to be humane, and selfless and to serve the people with the fear of God at all times, adding that God will hold every leader accountable for his or her deeds while in office.
According to him, traditional rulers will give their utmost cooperation towards the success of the polls by constantly dialoguing with their subjects on the need for peace and unity which are the vehicles that drive positive development.
