OBA Hails Paramount Ruler Of Uyo For Being Non-Partisan

The Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon has been commended for not being partisan but remaining apolitical to accommodate people from diverse political backgrounds in the state.

The governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) stated this during the opening ceremony of the Offot Ukwa Clan Festival of Arts and Culture, tagged, “Uyo Feast of Splendour” at Unity Park/Ibibio Museum, Uyo on Monday, October 24, 2022.

OBA, who was a special quest at the event, noted that HRM Edidem Sylvanus Okon has abided by the code of conduct of the traditional institution by advising, praying for and encouraging all political parties and their candidates.

He said in a state where some have been bullied and threatened to avoid identifying with opposition parties like the YPP, the Paramount Ruler has stood his grounds as a true defender of the traditional institution.

“I like the disposition of the Paramount Ruler. You are apolitical. Remain that way. At the end of this event, all sons and daughters of Offot Ukwa will testify that you have led Offot Ukwa well,” he added.

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Speaking on the festival, the 2023 governorship hopeful said it is a platform that will unite the clan and applauded the Paramount Ruler and the entire Offot Ukwa people for actualizing the programme.

Senator Albert, who represents Akwa Ibom North East and Chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), pledged to support the festival and the Offot Ukwa Clan.

Cultural displays by respective Offot Ukwa villages took centre stage at the opening ceremony.

Earlier, the Paramount Ruler, HRM Edidem Slyvanus Effiong Okon in his speech, expressed happiness that the festival has commenced following months of tedious planning and tours of respective villages.

Edidem Okon commiserated with Senator Albert over the death of his younger brother and aides killed by gunmen in Imo State recently and prayed to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the losses while also praying for the repose of the departed souls.

He commended Senator Albert for finding time to attend the opening ceremony despite his crowded schedule and prayed for his successes in his political endeavours, maintaining that power comes from the Almighty God, who gives it to whosoever he wants.

The royal father thanked villages in the clan for their sacrificial roles in ensuring that the festival holds. He also appreciated the Central Planning Committee of the festival, fellow Paramount Rulers and members of the political class for their painstaking efforts and goodwill towards the success of the festival.

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Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Akparawa Patrick Albert, on his part stated that the festival is a platform to celebrate the cultural heritage of the people of Offot Ukwa Clan and use it as a platform to further unite the people for the clan’s continuous uplift and progress.

He said that its success results from the dedication, sacrifice and love of the people of Offot Ukwa for the programme and thanked the Paramount Ruler, the village heads and all stakeholders for their various contributions.

According to him, the clan’s uniqueness has been exemplified by the Offot Ukwa anthem, flags, cultural displays and attires as adorned by members of all participating villages.

Goodwill messages came in good numbers; all congratulating the Paramount Ruler and the Offot Ukwa Clan for successfully packaging the festival.

As a mark of appreciation for identifying with the Clan, the Paramount Ruler decorated Senator Bassey Albert with the Offot Ukwa traditional cap and badge. Also decorated were the Chairman of YPP in Akwa Ibom State, Apostle Nyeneime Andy, the Chairman of Akwa UbokAbasi Campaign Council, Sir Emem Akpabio and the flagbearer of YPP for Uyo Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Ekemini Ukim.

Activities of the festival continue daily at the venue – Unity Park/Ibibio Museum with the grand finale slated for Saturday, October 29, 2022.