Ibibio elders, leaders laud Akwa Ibom amended traditional institution law
Elders and leaders of Ibibio socio cultural organisations have risen in support of the newly amended Akwa Ibom traditional institution law which conferred the position of life president general, supreme council of traditional rulers of Akwa Ibom on Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk.
In a press statement yesterday in Uyo endorsed by Dr. Asikpo Essienibok, Chairman; Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, Arc. Ekong Etuk, Prof. Etie Akpan, Nsit Elders Council, Mboho Ndito Nsit; Prof. Trenchard Ibia, Nsit Elders Council; Mboho Ndito Nsit and Prof. Etok Ekanem, Adaha Ibibio among others, expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for assenting to the bill to amend the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap.155, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022.
They also lauded Umo Eno for inaugurating Okokon Etuk as the President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers as well as HRM, Edidem Bassey Edet, as the Chairman of the Council as part of the ceremony marking the 36th Anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.
Also Read: A’Ibom government calls for dialogue among traditional rulers; Annang, Oro monarchs says bill discriminatory
The group maintained that the law was in order for the overall development, peace, stability, national respect, and progress of the State also hailed the State Assembly Speaker, Mr Udeme Ottong and other lawmakers for passage the bill.
According to the group, “we wish to note that other States of the Federation have similar traditional structures that have served them well”.
It would be recalled that the Governor on Friday accented the bill seeking to amend the Traditional Rulers law CAP 155 Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022 (as amended) which was presented, deliberated and subsequently referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for scrutiny and final passage into Law by the State Assembly.
Since the passage however, some sections of the state have criticised the new law alleging that it was a ploy by the Ibibio ethnic group which is the majority, to perpetually dominate them.
