Chidi Tony| The Oku Ibom Ibibio and other royal fathers in Akwa Ibom State have risen in condemnation of incessant attacks in oku iboku in itu council area of Akwa Ibom state by assailants from neighboring cross river State.
In the same vein, the Royal fathers have declared support for Governor Udom Emmanuel’s resolve of maintaining peace and guaranteeing safety of lives and properties.
The declaration was made at a joint meeting of Paramount Rulers and Clan Heads presided over by the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, in Uyo over the weekend.
At the meeting which was held at the Traditional Rulers Council Chambers, the traditional rulers gave thumbs up to the general security situation in the state but suggested that security be beefed up in some vulnerable local government areas such as Itu, Oruk Anam, and Mbo Local Government Areas.
Addressing the gathering, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk stated that the Akwa Ibom State under the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel has earned a reputation of being peaceful and called on traditional rulers to continue synergizing with the administration for enhanced results.
The patriarch of the Ibibios however stressed that security issues like the recent invasion and killings at Oku Iboku in Itu by assailants from Cross River State should be addressed by security agencies.
He expressed confidence that the issue and others including few communal clashes shall soon be addressed as he expressed hope in the state government and security agencies’ capability to curtail the situation.
The monarch also thanked the state government for treating their welfare with importance and expressed belief that issues of increased stipends and other concerns shall be addressed by government in due course.
Furthermore, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk urged them to be firmer in their support of government’s policies and programmes, insisting that although traditional rulers have the right as citizens to suggest to government in power, they should not indulge in antagonizing political authorities.
On the 2023 general elections, he called on monarchs in the state to preach peace and political tolerance in their respective domains. He also advised them to remain apolitical by only playing advisory role to aspirants and the electorates.
Paramount Ruler of Itu LGA, HRM Edidem (Dr.) Edet Akpan Inyang commended the traditional rulers’ council for bringing up the invasion and killings in his domain for discussion.
The royal father said the issue has assumed a wider dimension as the attackers keep launching frequent attacks on Itu, especially the Oku Iboku axis.
HRM Inyang called on the state government and entire Akwa Ibom people to rise in defence of Itu. He particularly implored the Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State Government to settle the long-standing boundary problem.
In the same breadth, Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, HRM Edidem (Dr.) Udo Joe Ntukobom re-echoed the call for security to be strengthened especially in the riverine parts of the state.
Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai, HRM Peter Okon Effiong noted that his relationship with his clan heads is very cordial and productive, thanking them for supporting his reign.
He also hoped for swift and permanent solution to concerns raised especially the security situation in Itu.
The Chairman, Assembly of Clan Heads in Akwa Ibom State, Etebom Ubong Okokon, appealed for improved welfare for clan heads, enhanced security of clans and villages, provision of a chamber for clan heads, and provision of an operational vehicle for the forum.
He pledged their support and loyalty to the Udom Emmanuel administration.
Other clan heads raised concerns bordering on provision of social amenities, negative effects of open grazing of cattle, and cultism.
Clan Head of Ikot Ekpene Urban, His Highness Obong Akpan Offong Udoidiong particularly decried that his people are facing incessant attacks and destruction of farmlands by herders and cattle.
He appealed that the Anti-open Grazing Law be enforced in the state.
Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, HRM Edidem Clement Francis Ekpenyong’s suggestion that all resolutions reached at the meeting be documented and officially sent to the state government and security agencies for appropriate action was unanimously adopted by the house.
The President General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk announced the adoption and applauded the Paramount Rulers and Clan Heads for converging to brainstorm on salient issues concerning the traditional institution and the state.
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