Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has moved to strengthen the traditional institution as a grassroots instrument for peace and development, announcing plans for an upward review of the remuneration of traditional rulers while charging them to take greater responsibility for stability in their communities.
Eno made the position known on Wednesday while presenting certificates of recognition to newly appointed Clan Heads at the State Supreme Traditional Rulers Council Hall, Uyo, as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary.
The Governor said the review of the traditional rulers’ monthly remuneration was already being worked out, describing their positions as a “call to serious responsibility” and urging them to use their influence to sustain peace and unity across communities and local government areas.
He said: “Let me also use this opportunity to urge you, our traditional rulers, and our socio-cultural groups, to leverage on your various platforms to promote sustainable peace and unity of our people in our State and beyond.”
Eno further charged the traditional rulers to work closely with government at both state and local government levels, stressing that the stability of communities remained critical to creating the environment required for development.
“Akwa Ibom remains one, and will continue to remain one and work as one,” he said, urging the traditional institution to ensure that communities and local government areas “thrive in peace and harmony for development to set in properly.”
The Governor’s emphasis on the institution’s welfare alongside the demand for greater grassroots responsibility effectively places traditional rulers within the administration’s broader peace and development architecture. Beyond their ceremonial functions, the rulers are being positioned as intermediaries between government and communities, particularly in maintaining local cohesion and supporting security and development initiatives.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, described the occasion as one of cultural significance and commended the Governor for what he described as his commitment to the traditional institution.
Archibong said the administration’s support had been demonstrated through the timely release of allowances as well as security and welfare packages for traditional rulers. He added that the traditional institution remained committed to supporting the ARISE Agenda.
Also speaking, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, commended Eno’s disposition towards peace and pledged the institution’s continued advisory role in maintaining stability across the State.
The Chairman of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, similarly expressed appreciation for the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers and pledged their continued support for the administration.
The certificates formally presented at the ceremony went to newly recognised Clan Heads, including Etebom Bassey Okon of Ndiya Clan in Ikono Local Government Area; Etebom Ini Moses Akabom of Ito Clan in Ika; Etebom Mbang F. Mbang of Southern Afaha Clan in Ukanafun; Obong Joseph Okon Esu of Odu Clan in Okobo; Senator Nelson Asukwo Effiong in Oron; Obong Eshiet Charles Eno of Eket Offiong Clan in Eket; and Obong Okon Etim Asanang of Idua Clan in Oron.
The recognition of the new Clan Heads comes with an expectation that the traditional institution will deepen its role in grassroots peace-building, community mobilisation and partnership with government as Akwa Ibom enters another year of statehood.
