The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, has charged members of the newly reconstituted Nsit Atai Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) to uphold peace, unity and justice in their respective communities, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution.
The Chairman gave the charge during the inauguration of the newly reconstituted Nsit Atai Traditional Rulers Council at the TRC Hall, Odot, recently.
Hon. Nyong thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for approving the reconstitution of the Council, describing the approval as a demonstration of the Governor’s regard for the traditional institution and the revered stool of Nsit Atai.
Congratulating the newly inaugurated members, the Chairman commended the royal fathers for their vital role in maintaining peace, security and order across the local government area. He expressed confidence that they would continue to serve the people with humility, patriotism and integrity.
He urged the traditional rulers to promote peaceful coexistence in their communities and cautioned them against using their privileged positions to victimise their subjects, stressing that leadership must always be guided by fairness, justice and selfless service.
Read Also: Nsit Atai Chairman Holds Strategic Security Meeting With Village Heads And Youth Leaders
Hon. Nyong reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Traditional Rulers Council, noting that effective governance cannot be achieved without the support and cooperation of the traditional institution.
“As partners in governance, we must continue to work together in the interest of our people. Your role remains indispensable in maintaining peace, resolving communal issues and mobilising our people for development,” he said.
The Chairman announced plans by his administration to furnish the office of the Paramount Ruler to enhance the discharge of his responsibilities and renovate the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat to provide a more conducive working environment.
He further advised members of the Council to remain united, reminding them that they were inaugurated as one Nsit Atai Traditional Rulers Council and not as representatives of individual villages or groups.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Nsit Atai Traditional Rulers Council, Comrade (Elder) Godson Edet Okon, described the reconstitution exercise as one of the Council’s most important statutory responsibilities, explaining that it is conducted every two years to reinforce the legality and continuity of the traditional institution.
He expressed appreciation to Hon. Nyong for his consistent support for the Council since the inception of his administration, citing his achievements in capacity building, prudent resource management, rural development, staff welfare, and the provision of electricity and water supply at the Council.
The Secretary also commended Governor Umo Eno for approving the reconstitution of the Council within a short period and urged the newly inaugurated traditional rulers to uphold the culture and values of the people, promote peace, support government initiatives, place community interests above personal considerations, and encourage civic responsibility, including participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
In his remarks, the President-in-Council and Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, HRM Edidem (Prophet) Peter Okon Effiong, PPD, AMB. P, commended the Executive Chairman for the respect, honour and commitment he has consistently shown to the Traditional Rulers Council.
He noted that since ascending the throne, it was the first time a Local Government Chairman in Nsit Atai had personally attended the reconstitution and inauguration of the Traditional Rulers Council, describing the gesture as a reflection of Hon. Nyong’s humility, leadership qualities and high regard for the traditional institution.
The Paramount Ruler urged the newly inaugurated members to discharge their responsibilities diligently, remain united and work closely with the Council in promoting peace and development across Nsit Atai.
He also appreciated Governor Umo Eno and the President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Ntenyin Dr. Solomon Etuk, JP, CFR, for their support and guidance.
Delivering the acceptance speech on behalf of the newly inaugurated Council, Obong Mfon Sunday, Village Head of Odot 2, thanked Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong for his unwavering support for the traditional institution and assured the Chairman that the confidence reposed in the new Council would not be betrayed.
He pledged that members of the Council would work in unity with the Paramount Ruler to sustain the prevailing peace in Nsit Atai and also commended security agencies for their efforts in maintaining law and order across the Local Government Area.
The six newly inaugurated members of the Nsit Atai Traditional Rulers Council are Obong Mfon Sunday, Village Head of Odot 2; Obong Okono Udoudo Okono, Village Head of Ikot Esen; Etteidung Sunday Etim Asuquo, Village Head of Ndon Omum; Etteidung Aniefiok Edet Etim, Village Head of Ikot Obon; Etteidung Akpan Samuel Udo, Village Head of Ikot Nkpene; and Etteidung Ime Sampson Ekpo, Village Head of Idikpa Nsit.
The event was attended by the Secretary of the Council, Obong Elder Sunday Udia; Supervisor for Chieftaincy and Boundary Matters, Hon. Ezekiel Akanimo; Dean, College of Supervisors, Hon. Emmanuel Okono; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Engr. Emmanuel Edet; security personnel, political appointees, and other guests.
