Okon Bassey in Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has sought restraint in the ongoing feud between traditional rulers in the state over the seat of the chairman of the Supreme Council for Traditional Rulers.
He said his development plans for the Annang people in the Ikot Ekpene senatorial district of the state remained sacrosanct and would be pursued to a logical conclusion.
Eno, who made this known yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Itai Afe Annang V, Obong Blaise Awakama in Abak, assured the state of his determination to continue to foster unity and the spirit of kindredship among traditional institutions and symbols of authority in the state.
The governor appealed for patience and understanding while the Traditional Rulers’ Council issue is being resolved, saying: “I enjoin our elders to come together and help unite our people.
“Let the traditional rulers speak among themselves. Boycotting meetings, I think, is not helpful, but I want to assure you that we will put a closure to the matter soon. As you know, the case is still in court.”
He informed the monarch that he decided to come rather informally as he always did, to greet the royal father who has always supported him and to thank the people of Annang land for the overwhelming support they gave him during the last election.
The governor said: “A lot of votes that gave us the victory came from Annang land, and that is why the first place I visited shortly after I was sworn in was Essien Udim, where I went to thank the Iroko I of our politics, Chief Michael Afangide.
“Our developmental plans based on the need assessment we drew up during the electioneering for the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district remain sacrosanct.
“We are committed to the construction of an international market in Ikot Ekpene as well as the medical corridor between Ibom Specialist hospital and FourPoints Hotel by Sheraton.
“Our ARISE Initiative for the elderly is aimed at showing our appreciation for the huge contributions they have made for the development, unity and oneness of our state.
“Every month, 15 elders will be selected per local government and would receive N50, 000 each. The programme will be operated transparently.
“We will continue to run an inclusive government and it might interest you to know that some of my closest aides and strategic appointees are from the Annang extraction.”
Awakama had earlier lauded Eno as a man who wears peace, humility, and Christian virtues as badges of honour and promised to always “support you for who you are. I am happy you came back to greet me. I have many friends, but I will call you my Golden son. It is not an easy task to draw these caliber and quality of leaders under one roof. It shows the love we have for you.”
