A civic advocacy group, Open Forum, has proposed the establishment of an Akwa Ibom Council of State and a unified socio-cultural body, Mboho Ibom, as part of measures to strengthen institutional memory, unity and long-term development in the state.
The proposal was contained in a press statement signed by the Founder and President of Open Forum, Citizen Matthew Koffi Okono, and forwarded to Governor Umo Eno ahead of Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary on September 23.
Okono said the proposed Council of State would provide a platform through which former political and judicial leaders could contribute their experience to contemporary governance, particularly on issues of peace, security, development and continuity.
He proposed that the body comprise former governors, former military administrators of Akwa Ibom origin who served during the military era, former chief judges and former speakers of the State House of Assembly.
According to him, the proposed structure would be modelled after the National Council of State and would provide “non-partisan counsel on governance, peace, security, and development” by drawing from the experience of former state leaders.
Open Forum also proposed Mboho Ibom, otherwise known as the Ibom People’s Assembly (IPA), as an umbrella socio-cultural and development platform for Akwa Ibom people in the state and the diaspora.
Okono said the proposed assembly was intended to provide a common platform for the people to promote their shared identity and values and speak collectively on issues affecting Akwa Ibom at the local, national and international levels.
He argued that the initiative could provide an alternative to what he described as the “current rancorous nature of pro-ethnic and tribal socio-cultural organisations” operating in the state.
The group urged Governor Eno to consider adopting and implementing both proposals as part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Akwa Ibom’s development journey and establish structures for the future.
Okono said the proposed institutions were intended to promote “unity, continuity, and sustainable development for generations to come,” while urging the state government to use the anniversary to deepen structures that transcend individual administrations.
The Open Forum further linked the proposals to the governor’s ARISE Agenda and “Akwa Ibom United” initiative, arguing that the proposed Council of State and Mboho Ibom could provide institutional mechanisms for achieving broader participation beyond partisan and political interests.
The group said the Council of State would preserve the experience of former leaders, while the proposed Mboho Ibom would provide a platform for broader engagement among Akwa Ibom people at home and abroad.
Okono also urged the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to consider the proposals, as copies of the statement were forwarded to the three officials.
The proposals come as Akwa Ibom prepares to mark 39 years since its creation on September 23, 1987, with the state expected to use the anniversary period to reflect on its political, economic and social development and its priorities for the future.
