By Ubong Sampson – Uyo
Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Udom Emmanuel has announced an upward review of welfare packages for traditional rulers in the state.
Announcing the review during the swearing-in of Oku Ibom Ibibio (Supreme Leader of Ibibio land) and Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk as President-General of the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, the governor explained that the increment became necessary given the current economic realities and in line with his resolve to add value to the revered institution.
The swearing-in of the monarch followed the recent amendment of the Traditional Rulers Law 2020 by the state House of Assembly which provides for the Traditional Rulers Council to be headed by a President General in place of the previous office of Chairman State Council of Chiefs .
The event held at the ultra- modern Traditional Rulers Council Chambers, Uyo, also witnessed the swearing-in of Edidem Offong Effiong Matthew Unanaowo and Edidem Etim Nnana Itang as Paramount Rulers for Urue Offong-Oruko and Ikono Local Government Areas respectively.
Administering Oaths of Office and Allegiance on the new paramount rulers, the Governor explained that the review in the traditional rulers’ laws was driven by the need for continuous improvement in the reformation of institutional structures and enhancement of leadership in line with global best practices.
“Laws are not amended because of a particular person in office. Laws are amended to suit best practices all over the world.
“Sometime ago we had to move the tenure of Chairmanship of our Council of Chiefs from one to two years.
“Today we have seen that we can also go further and make those two years renewable at the discretion of the governor so I really want to thank our paramount rulers first for their understanding, cooperation and support to make sure we keep improving.
“We are trying to make this institution a little more revered. It was extremely difficult for a chairman of just two years to be able to effect impactful policies or whatever he may have to do.
“So we have to put in practice things that are being done elsewhere to make things work well, so I’m happy that this is being done while consultations continue on other areas.
He congratulated Ntenyin Solomon Etuk and the new paramount rulers on their elevation to the exalted offices, saying that their elevation places on them the responsibility of piloting affairs of the traditional institutions in the state.
Governor Emmanuel presented staff of office as well as certificates of recognition to the paramount rulers, urging the President General to be fair to all by carrying everyone along in his administration for continued peace in the state and presented brand new official Prado Jeeps to the two royal fathers, saying he wanted them accorded their due respect.
In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn in President General of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk expressed appreciation to Governor Emmanuel for finding him worthy to lead the traditional rulers in the state and assured of continued support to the state administration.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, lauded Governor Emmanuel’s commitment to boosting the traditional institution by giving premium to its affairs, thereby ensuring that peace reign in all the domains.
He pointed out that the respect and honour accorded the royal fathers comes with huge responsibility and urged members of the institution to live up to the call.
Ntenyin Etuk assured the governor of continuous support from the traditional institution.
Prior to his emergence as President General in the new structure, Ntenyin Etuk had served as Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs since 2019.
