By Joseph Atainyang
The new Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Frank Archibong has promised to work together with royal fathers across the state to ensure the implementation of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda.
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The commissioner said the royal fathers were critical stakeholders who occupied very sensitive part of “project Akwa Ibom”, adding that a deliberate execution of their responsibilities with the task of building peace in their domains would add to the daily progress being recorded by the current administration.
Mr Archibong, who spoke on Tuesday during a familiarization meeting with the paramount rulers of the state at the Chambers of Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, maintained that a great deal of collaboration was required to get the ministry up and doing.
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While imploring their utmost cooperation, the commissioner who thanked the monarchs for their commitment in the fight against COVID-19, stressed his desire to work closely with them.
“I seek collaboration from all of us. With collaboration, we shall eschew friction and tension in our various communities. With collaboration, we shall contribute our quota towards the success of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda.
“Truth be told, without the royal fathers, the centre cannot hold. The ministry and the royal fathers must work together. I will be meeting regularly with all of us, especially the office of the Chairman, Council of Chiefs”, he said.
Speaking earlier at the gathering, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, His Eminence, Nteyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk expressed delight to the Akwa Ibom State Governor for sending a due replacement to the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Udo Ekpenyong.
Nteyin Solomon Etuk, who is also the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium and Oku Ibom Ibibio, stated that Hon. Frank Archibong is an amiable, refined and articulate gentleman who knows exactly what to do in the ministry.
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Congratulating Mr. Archibong on his arrival at the ministry, the Royal Chair pledged the full support of himself and his colleagues towards the success of the new commissioner.
His words, “We are here to receive and congratulate you on your meritorious appointment. We will give you the required support to move the council to a higher level.
“We expect you to effectively collaborate and synergize with your fathers, so that you will perform creditably, just as you did as a council chairman of Eket LGA.”
Also speaking were the Paramount Ruler of Eket, HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia, who spoke on behalf of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District, the Paramount Ruler of Obot Akara, HRM Okuku Uwa Umo Adiaka III on behalf of Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District and the Paramount Ruler of Itu, HRM Edidem Dr. Edet Akpan Inyang, who spoke on behalf of Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District.
The trio reiterated the kind disposition of Frank Archibong, especially in taking care of elders, adding that with their prayers, guidance and cooperation, the new commissioner would perform above expectations.
The meeting which was attended by 28 of the 31 paramount rulers in the state also had the presence of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Pharmacist Mbuk Inyang and the Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, Mr. Emmanuel Umontuen.
