Governor Umo Eno Receives Report of TRC Law 2023 Amendment From Committee
By Emmanuel Uffot
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has received the report of the committee set up to resolve the impasse and find lasting solutions to the issues arising from the amended Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers’ Law 2023.
The report was presented to Governor Eno at Government House, Uyo, barely two months after he constituted a 7-man committee headed by the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E. C. D. Abia.
Speaking shortly after receiving the report, the Governor assured all of his commitment to study the recommendations made by the committee and thereafter, come up with a draft bill reflecting the true wishes of all parties concerned, which will be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for necessary legislation.
He thanked members of the committee for accepting to serve in the interest of peace, expressing the belief that the report has addressed all the grey areas including issues of rotation of the highest traditional stool, the tenure of the traditional headship as well as the Chairman and President-General of the Traditional Rulers Council.
Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Edidem E. C. D Abia applauded Governor Eno for the bold step taken in setting up the committee in the interest of peace and unity in the State, describing him as a true leader.
While analyzing the report, the Eket traditional ruler blamed the disagreements that arose from the earlier amended law to inadequate consultation, noting that the committee has taken time to engage relevant stakeholders in the interest of all.
According to Edidem Abia, the committee, cognizant of the perculiar nature of the state, strongly recommended a rotational approach in the leadership of the highest traditional stool for the overall peace and unity of the state.
In carrying out its assignment, Edidem Abia said the committee relied on memoranda by Ifim Ibom Ibibio on one hand and the Paramount Rulers of Annang, Oro, and Obolo ethnic groups on the other hand, which all agreed on the need for rotation in the headship of the traditional stool for maximum benefit to the state and as obtained in other states in the region.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong in his remarks, said the committee was allowed a free hand to explore and address all issues contained in the terms of reference, with zero interference from his ministry.
The 7-man committee was constituted on April 16, 2024 and had the Paramount Ruler of Eket LGA, His Royal Majesty, Edidem E. C. D. Abia as Chairman, with the Paramount Ruler of Itu, Edidem, Edet Akpan Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo LGA, Professor Amanam Akpanudo Uko, Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Akuku Okon Udo Ukut, Paramount Ruler of Mbo LGA, Owong Okon Asukwo Abang, Paramount Ruler of Okobo LGA, Edidem Ita Edet Okokon, Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Okuku (Dr.) Ime Udousoro Inyang as Members while Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, Secretary, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, served as the Committee’s Secretary.
The Presentation of the report was witnessed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom SAN and a one -time Attorney General in the state, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim who was counsel to a section of the traditional rulers.
It could be recalled that the Traditional Rulers Council Law which was instituted by immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel but signed into law by Governor Eno generated acrimony among some traditional rulers.
The law had elevated the stool of President General of Traditional Rulers Council, held by Nsobom Ibibio to be at par with first class Chiefs in Nigeria like the Emirs and Oba among others.
Unlike previously when the stool was rotational, the new amendment made the position life as it is in other states.
So a section of the state who are none Ibibios had frowned at the new law which they claim makes the Ibibio to Lord over other ethnic groups.
The fuse it generated caused the Governor to institute a Committee to recommend amendment and areas of friction.
