… WARNS AGAINST CERTIFICATE FRAUD
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has certified 143 traditional rulers, at a grand, colourful ceremony, which took place on Monday, 23rd September, at the Traditional Rulers chambers, Uyo, as part of activities marking the 37th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during the event, the Governor congratulated the newly-recognized 11 Clan Heads and 132 Village Heads , urging members of the traditional institution to uphold the high standard of their offices by being apolitical , shun divisive tendencies ,breach of decorum and biased handling of issues.
He charged them to collaborate with government to reinforce the tenets of the ARISE Agenda, especially in areas of development, security, order and peace for the betterment of the State.
On the issue of certificate fraud, Governor Eno frowned at royal fathers who engage in such illegality of trying to usurp the position of the State Government by issuing certificates of recognition to themselves and others,out of desperation, warning perpetrators to desist forthwith or risk facing the weight of the law.
” There are some Clan Heads and other royal fathers that print out certificate of recognition for themselves and other Village heads. Please do not print certificates for yourselves. No man takes this honour unto himself. Even when you go through those processes and make recommendations, it is the duty of State Government to approve Certificates of recognition. Let us be careful in order not to go against the law of the land ,as the law is no respecter of anybody “.
The State Chief Executive reassured of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers in the State and announced the donation of Toyota Prado SUVs to four Paramount Rulers in addition to five which were earlier released.
In his welcome remarks, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong who described the annual event as a landmark moment of cultural significance, felicitated the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State on the milestone of the 37th anniversary of the State creation.
He lauded the visionary, selfless and people-centred leadership of Governor Eno which he noted has given the people of the State, especially the rural dwellers a new lease of life , adding that the administration’s ARISE Agenda has brought notable development to the State and consolidated upon the gains of the past 37 years.
Mr. Archibong particularly commended the Governor for according the traditional institution so much respect, dignity and reverence and for priotizing the welfare of traditional rulers , demonstrated by the timely release of allowances, security votes, welfare packages, capacity building workshop, regular release of Quality Health Assistant Funds ,amongst other interventions , assuring of the traditional institution’s commitment to furthering the ARISE Agenda of his administration.
On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin Dr. Solomon Etuk, CFR, asserted that every son and daughter of Akwa Ibom State has a responsibility of contributing to the development of his or her community, Clan , State and the country in general.
Ntenyin Etuk who is also the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, stressed that citizens should rise above parochial interest by placing the interest of the State first, for peace, love and unity to prevail, applauding the peaceful disposition of Governor Umo Eno, while pledging the resolve and commitment of traditional rulers to maintain their fatherly roles to foster unity and peace.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers , Odidem Bassey Etim Edet expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of all the Paramount Rulers in the State who were physically present at the event.
He commended Governor Eno for his inclusive leadership style and the cordial relationship with the monarchs , assuring continuous support to his administration for sustained peace, unity and success of the ARISE Agenda.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of four prado jeeps to four Paramount Rulers by Governor Umo Eno.
Present were the Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Ottong, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, State Chairman of PDP, Rt Hon Aniekan Akpan, present and past members of the National Assembly, members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Chairmen and members of Boards, Council Chairmen, Permanent Secretaries, Paramilitary personnel, Paramount Rulers, Clan heads,Village heads, Mbong Ekpuk( Family heads), Mbong Iban, political class, Staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and a cross section of Akwa Ibomites.
