… swears in new Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council
By John Ogunsemore
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged traditional rulers in the state to recognize the role of Chairmen as chief executive officers of their local government areas and not engage in a power tussle with them.
He said an adversarial relationship between the council bosses and royal fathers is capable of driving investors from the state.
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Eno gave the charge during the swearing in of Paramount Ruler of Abak Local Government Area, Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, as the new Chairman of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers in Uyo on Tuesday.
He appealed to the paramount rulers and royal fathers to continue to support the government and work closely with their respective local government chairmen.
The governor said, “Though they are your children, you should acknowledge the fact that they have constitutional roles to play as the leaders of Councils that you serve.
“There is need for a harmonious working relationship and to recognize that the Local Government Chairmen are the Chief Executive Officers of your Local Government Areas, and they need to be accorded respect, as they, in turn, must ensure that they accord the same respect to you as their fathers. That is the kind of symbiotic relationship that is required between our Chairmen and our Royal Fathers.
“Let me put it right once and for all, the issue of Paramount Rulers directing investors to talk to them when it has to do with oil and gas. Please, I want to plead that our fathers should allow the Local Government Chairmen to perform their roles, and at the same time work with you to ensure that we welcome our investors. Let us not have a divide-and-rule approach, because what that does is to scare away investors.
“The Chairmen of Local Government Areas should take charge of their Local Government Areas and work according to the law to ensure peace and harmony, and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all our investors,” he said.
He called for continuous partnership for the promotion of peace and unity as a catalyst for the development of the state.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers, assuring that, with effect from October 1, 2025, their monthly allowance would be reviewed upwards, and approved the appointment of a Personal Assistant for each Paramount Ruler.
He enumerated some of the efforts of government at caring for the traditional institution, saying, “We have provided official vehicles to our Royal Fathers, and some that were over five years old were replaced with new ones. We are equally intervening in their healthcare needs – outside of the quarterly healthcare package we have been providing. The stipends, upkeep, and other allowances will be reviewed upwards across board.
“We treasure the role you play, especially at the grassroots level, and we want to show in practical terms that we care and remain dedicated to encouraging and supporting your efforts.”
Eno appreciated the immediate past Chairman of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Odidem Etim Edet, for his meritorious service to the state, and congratulated the new Chairman as well as the newly-recognized traditional rulers who were presented with certificates of recognition.
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