A Royal Father and Itai Afe Annang (V), Blaise Awakama has sued for peace over the crisis that rocked the Traditional Rulers Council following the appointment of its president general in Akwa Ibom State.
The state government, through a law passed by the state assembly, announced the paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium, Solomon Etuk as the president general of the TRC who should hold office for life.
Some traditional rulers including those from the five local government councils in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, however, opposed the appointment, saying the post of the President General should rotate among the three major ethic groups in the state.
But speaking when Governor Umo Eno visited him in his palace in Abak, the royal father, who described the governor as a man of peace, said that the crisis over the appointment of the President General would soon be resolved.
“I am happy you came back to greet me. I have many friends, but I will call you my Golden son. When you came here to consult me, I told you the sky was not just your limit, but the starting point. It is not an easy task to draw these calibre and quality of leaders under one roof. It shows the love we have for you.
“Annang land voted for you massively and that’s how it would continue to be. We know you as a man of peace, truth, deep character and convictions; a man who does exactly what he says he would do. We will support your re-election,” he said.
Harping on the theme of unity and oneness, the respected traditional ruler said, “We are one, thoroughly interwoven. The number of prominent Ibibios that are married to Annang women is staggering and vice-versa.”
The monarch sued for peace as the Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) matter is being resolved amicably.
Earlier, Governor Umo Eno had 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.
“A lot of votes that gave us 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 1 of our politics, Michael Afangide.
“Our developmental plans based on the need assessment we drew up during the electioneering campaigns for the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district to 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 Four Points 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 Annang extraction.”
The governor appealed for patience and understanding while the Traditional Rulers’ Council issue is being resolved.
“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.”
Speaking also, the Director General of the Campaign Organisation, Assam Assam thanked the Itai Afe Annang (V) for the warm reception accorded the Governor and his entourage and re-emphasized the fact that Governor Umo Eno is a deeply detrabilised leader, who has the interest of the state at heart.
The governor was accompanied by a cross section of the state executive members, the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Aniekan Akpan, National President of the Maintain Peace Movement, Emmanuel Enoidem, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uwemedimo Nwoko, among others.
Those who joined the Itai Afe Annang included, Michael Afangide, Moses Ekpo, Michael Udofia, Emmanuel Ibokessien, Senas Ukpanah,
Udom Ekpudom, Friday Iwok, Eno Akpan, Emmanuel Abraham of Topfaith University, Udo Kieran, A.E. Udoh, the village head of Abak, Aba’ak of Abak, Ifiok Umanah and other leaders from Annang Land.
