LG Commissioner Charges Traditional Rulers To Be Agents Of Peace

***Issues Certificates of Recognition to Six Clan Heads.

By: Oku Udoetor, Kendi Jumbo & Endurance Johnson

Earlier today, the government of Akwa Ibom State through the office of the honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Udo Ekpenyong issued Certificates of Recognition to six newly coronated Clan Heads at the State Council of Chiefs auditorium, Uyo.

The certification, according to the Hon commissioner was in pursuant of section 15 of the The Traditional Rulers Law, CAP 134, Law of Akwa Ibom State, 2000.

Speaking, the two term commissioner who was flanked by the Commissioner for Works, Obong Ephraim Inyang-Eyen congratulated them for making it through the rigorous processes - from village headship to clan headship, adding that they owe God many thanks and the Governor for endorsing/signing their certification, as God alone, according to him, chooses a Leader.

Obong Udo Ekpenyong who also charged them to be agents of peace in their respective clans, said traditional rulers across the state owe government of the day a duty to protect, promote and project government's policies, programmes and projects in their respective domains.

He urged them to partner with their respective paramount rulers as they are now automatic members of traditional rulers' council of their respective local government areas.

Responding, one of the newly certified clan heads who spoke on their behalf, HH Etubom (Barr.) Maxwell Benjamin Umoren expressed gratitude for the Governor particularly the honorable commissioner for what he described as "the timeous issuance of certificates of recognition to them", stressing that, that is a step to becoming a paramount Ruler someday by God's grace.

The erudite clan head while commending the State Government through the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs ministry for being fair and transparent in the selection processes, vowed to discharge their duties in line with the extant laws of the land as agents of peace and orderliness in their respective domains.

The following Clan Heads were issued Certificates of Recognition: HH Etubom (Barr.) Maxwell Benjamin, HH Samuel Johnson, HH Moses Udosen Ukpong, HH Otuekong Peter Jerome Effiong, HH Udoette Edon, and HH Onwong Edakekong.

In attendance were paramount rulers of Onna, HRM Edidem Raymond Inyang and that of Ikono, HRM Edet Okokon, amongst others.