Governor Eno Restates Commitment To A Peaceful, United A'Ibom

 ... calls for cooperation of traditional fathers

Governor Umo Eno has restated his promise to  ensure a peaceful and united state despite deliberate attempt by warmongers to create crisis and division.

He warned those fanning the embers of disunity to desist forthwith, and called on traditional rulers to cooperate with government to institute peace and unity, as expected of their revered positions.

These were contained in the remark of the Akwa Ibom State Governor while addressing congregants at Global Evangelical and Missionary Church of All Nations, Oron, during the Thanksgiving Service in honour of the Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko and Chairman, Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers, HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet JP.

He urged the traditional fathers not to allow politicians meddle in their affairs or hijack the institution, stressing that the traditional institution is a revered one with men of wisdom and integrity.

The Governor enjoined the royal fathers to uphold their honour and use their office to maintain the peace and cohesion in the state,  rather than drag the image of the revered institution into disrepute, by allowing themselves to be used as agents of division.

He said "the state is one. Every Akwa Ibom man, whether Oron, Anang or Ibibio, we are one. Who are you going to fight?  Probably you are married to an Ibibio woman or you are married to an Annang man or you have grand children there. We have come very far as a people and must not allow politicians to divide this State along ethnic lines."

He said though his administration had no hand in the seeming discontent in the traditional institution, he was determined to resolve the issue as part of his efforts to harmonize all fabrics of the State, but stressed the need for the cooperation of the concerned parties. 

In his words, "This problem, I didn't create it. We must understand that it is the traditional rulers that created this problem. I am here to work with you to ensure that  we have an amicable solution, but we won't do it by confrontation."

Governor Eno commended Odidem Bassey for acknowledging God's hand in his emergence as Chairman of the revered institution and prayed for grace to enable him accomplish the onerous task placed on his shoulders.

He noted that his decision to attend the event, against all odds, underscored the high esteem he accords the traditional institution, congratulated the royal father and joined him to celebrate God's grace upon his life.

The celebrator,  Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, in his thanksgiving speech, expressed gratitude to God for his life, family, community, the state and for his elevation through the ladders to the exalted stool of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.

He appreciated the Governor and his entourage, President General of  Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk and his entourage of Paramount Rulers, friends and well wishes for joining him at the event.

The Odidem added his voice to the call for unity by calling on members of the traditional institution to join forces for the progress of the state, embrace peaceful means of resolving issues rather than being confrontational which tends to undermine constituted authorities. 

Delivering a homily at the event on "Thanksgiving," the Presiding Bishop Kaiso Okpo, highlighted four major expressions that a grateful person must always have on his lips as: "thank you, I am sorry, please and God bless you," adding that the quartet portray peace, love and gratitude and should be habitually cultivated by Christians.

Media Unit

Government House, Uyo

20/11/23