Paramount Ruler Of Abak Sworn In As New TRC Chairman

… As Govt Charges Traditional Rulers On Continued Partnership For Sustenance Of Peace, Unity
By Bassey Nkponam 
UYO
The paramount ruler of Abak Local Government Area, Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, is now the new chairman of Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
He was sworn-in, recently, by the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, with a charge for continued partnership by the traditional institution for the promotion of peace and unity in the state.
The ceremony took place at the Traditional Rulers Council Hall, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.
   Eno urged paramount rulers and other traditional rulers to continuously support the government and work closely with their respective local government chairmen. 
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers, assuring that with effect from October 1, 2025, their monthly allowance would be reviewed upward. He approved the appointment of a personal assistant for each paramount ruler.
The governor enumerated some of the efforts of government at caring for the traditional institution, saying, “We have provided official vehicles to our royal fathers, and some that were over five years old were replaced with new ones. We are equally intervening in their healthcare needs – outside of the quarterly healthcare package we have been providing. The stipends, upkeep, and other allowances would be reviewed upward across board.
Eno stressed the need for a harmonious working relationship between traditional rulers and chairmen of local government areas, while urging traditional rulers to recognise that local government chairmen are the chief executive officers of their areas, hence, the need to be accorded respect, while the local government chairmen, in turn, must ensure they accord traditional rulers same respect.
According to him, “we treasure the role you play, especially, at the grassroots level, and we want to show in practical terms that we care and remain dedicated to encouraging and supporting your efforts.
“There is need for a harmonious working relationship and to recognise that the local government chairmen are the chief executive officers of your local government areas, and they need to be accorded respect, as they, in turn,  must ensure that they accord the same respect to you as their fathers. That is the kind  of symbiotic relationship that is required between our chairmen and our royal fathers. 
“Though they are your children, you should acknowledge the fact that, they have constitutional roles to play as the leaders of councils that you serve,” he noted. 
He expressed dismay over the issue of paramount rulers directing investors to negotiate with them on oil and gas issues, emphasizing that traditional fathers should allow local government chairmen to perform their roles, and at the same time work with them to ensure that investors are welcome to the areas.
“Let me put it right once and for all, the issue of paramount rulers directing investors to talk to them when it has to do with oil and gas. Please I want to plead that our fathers should allow the local government chairmen to perform their roles, and at the same time work with you to ensure that we welcome our investors. Let us not have a divide and rule approach because what that does, is to scare away investors.
“The chairmen of local government areas should take charge of their local government areas and work according to the law to ensure peace and harmony, and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all our investors,” he said.
The governor assured the traditional rulers of government’s continued collaboration, noting that, aside the interventions in the healthcare of some of the monarchs, there was a need to have health insurance for royal fathers and their wives, so that they can continue to have access to quality healthcare.
He appreciated the immediate past chairman of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, for his meritorious service to the state; and congratulated the new chairman, Sylvester, as well as the newly-recognised traditional rulers who were presented with certificates of recognition.
Eno also appreciated the president-general of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, for his fatherly disposition and support at ensuring peace in Akwa Ibom.
The commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, lauded the governor for his leadership strides, saying the prevailing peace, political tolerance and bipartisan disposition of the governor has further created an atmosphere where citizens can thrive regardless of their political leanings. 
“Your Excellency, you have demonstrated, in words and deeds, your avowed commitment to redefining the status of our traditional institution. It is obvious that, you have accorded so much respect, dignity and reverence to the Institution.  
“Let me, therefore, assure you that our royal fathers and the entire traditional rulers are deeply appreciative of your benevolence, especially in the sustenance of their welfare packages. Our royal fathers are also grateful to His Excellency for the quarterly medical allowance and other incentives too numerous to mention,” he said.
The president-general, Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Etuk, appreciated the governor for prioritising the welfare of paramount rulers through prompt release of funds for payment of their arrears and allowances, and called on the new chairman to emulate his predecessor by moving the traditional institution higher through quality representation and promotion of peace and unity.
The immediate past chairman, Edet, thanked the governor for the opportunity given him to serve and assured of his continued support for the peace and unity of the state.