TRC Law, 2023: Gov Umo Eno Receives Committee Report on Amendment

TRC Law, 2023: Gov Umo Eno Receives Committee Report on Amendment 

By News desk

1min reads

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. 

According to the release by the Media Unit of the

Govt. House, Uyo,

The Southern Post gathered that the committee 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 analysing 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.

Governor Umo Eno has been preaching peace and collaboration between his administration and the APC-controlled federal government.

Since his inauguration as governor last year, Umo Eno has been preaching peace and collaboration between his administration and the APC-controlled federal government.

By Cletus Ukpong/ (Anietie Edet for the The Southern Post)

2min reads

Published June 12/2024

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said that being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not mean he has to insult President Bola Tinubu who is of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Eno stated this on the day he received in Uyo many members of other political parties, including the APC, who defected to the PDP in the state, according to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh.

Among those received into the PDP by the governor was a chieftain of the APC and a former House of Representatives member, Emmanuel Ukoette; a former spokesperson of the APC in Akwa Ibom, Nkereuwem Enyongekere; a former commissioner for Science and Technology in the state, Samuel Effanga; a former youth leader, the Young Progressives Party, Ubong Edem; former chairperson, Ukanafun Local Government council, Abasiono Udonfuk; and a former member, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Mabel Udongwo.

• What Governor Eno said

“A lot of people have asked repeatedly: Are you in PDP? Yes! I am in PDP but my PDP is not the type that insults people,” Governor Eno said to the defectors, most of them former PDP members who left the party to seek political fortunes in other parties during general elections.

“So I want to beg you as you come back, one of the things you must drop is let’s not attack leaders.

“From the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will and must show him support and respect. That is the PDP I run.

“We don’t attack leadership because what goes round comes round.

“If I have a suggestion, I have access to the president, we will go and give our suggestions. We will support our leaders and we will not fight them.

“I am a pastor trained to respect people and we must continue to show that all-important character of humility, of compassion and of respect to constituted authority.

“That, I shall continue to do. I and our Party will continue to collaborate with the centre so that we can bring dividends of democracy to Akwa Ibom. I will not fight the centre. Nobody will fight the centre. That is the point and now that you are coming back, that is what we will maintain. We will give peace a chance,” he said.

Mr Eno said that his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel ran a peaceful administration, and that he (Eno) will continue to ensure peace in the state.

“Without peace, there can be no progress. So please for those of you that were abusing us, don’t bring that spirit of abuse and begin to abuse people in authority. Please drop that spirit and let’s work together. We have only one President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we owe him our allegiance.

“We must show respect, decency and loyalty. That’s why, everything that the president promised us, God will touch his heart and he will give it to us. You don’t abuse somebody and then turn around and want to go and benefit from the person. Is that good?”

• ‘Standing firm’ in PDP

Mr Eno, however, said that he and others were “standing firm” in the PDP in Akwa Ibom, apparently dispelling any misconception that could arise from his pledging of “allegiance” to President Tinubu.

He advised the defectors against “illegal meetings”.

“Don’t let anybody deceive you. Don’t attend any illegal meetings, don’t go. They call you in the night and say come to this place, someone wants to see you. That is a lie.”

According to the statement, the PDP chairperson in the state, Aniekan Akpan, welcomed the defectors to the party and urged them to work for the growth and expansion of the party.

Yvonne Jegede Apologizes To May Yul-Edochie For Supporting Yul's Decision To Venture Into Polygamy

Her statement in part reads

Celebrity News:

By The Southern Post

1min reads

‘’I want to clarify that my remarks about polygamy were meant to reflect its cultural context and to emphasize that how it is practised is crucial. My goal was to convey that polygamy is part of our culture, but what matters is how it is approached.

Unfortunately, this message was lost in my articulation.

I want to stress that my comments were not intended to trivialize the pain of Mrs. May Edochie or any woman going through similar struggles. I do not claim to have advanced knowledge of the personal circumstances between Yul Edochie and his ex-wife. I aimed to communicate that we all make wrong decisions and sometimes, those decisions happen in marriages, and we should do something about them instead of enduring perpetual pain. In doing something about it, some people, separate, some divorce while some seek the help of professionals.

I firmly believe that everyone deserves love, attention, and care most especially women. I apologize if my statements did not effectively convey this sentiment. I am grateful for the opportunity to clarify my intentions and express my sincere apologies to anyone who was hurt by my words.''

AKISAN USA President Praised for Scholarship Awards, Educational Support

AKISAN USA President Praised for Scholarship Awards, Educational Support

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State - The Vice Chairman of Uyo Local government Transition Committee, Hon. Pastor Sylvia Ekong, has commended the President of AKISAN USA, Obong Itoro Akpan-Iquot, for his selfless gesture in giving back to the society through the 2024 AKISAN USA Scholarship Awards.

Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Hon. Pastor Sylvia Ekong praised Obong Akpan-Iquot for his initiative, stating that the scholarships will significantly support the educational pursuits of the beneficiaries. 

She also acknowledged the donation of 609 dual classroom desks to six primary schools in Uyo LGA, describing it as a laudable gesture that will enhance the learning environment for pupils in the area.

The ceremony saw 180 students receive scholarships totaling N13.7 million, with 118 students benefiting from sponsored scholarships. The AKISAN USA First Lady, Mrs. Edidiong Akpan-Iquot, also donated over 120 school supplies and AKISAN USA-branded bags. 

Additionally, the top 10 students with a 5.0 CGPA received additional awards of N50,000 and N25,000 each, courtesy of AKISAN National Secretary, Sir Michael Asuquo (KSJI), and 2024 National Convention Chairman, Mr. Aniekan Etim, respectively.

The event, attended by over 500 people, including Akwa Ibom Community Presidents from Abuja, Lagos, Anambra, and the UK, demonstrated AKISAN USA's commitment to supporting the educational development of Akwa Ibom State.

"The scholarship awards will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the educational pursuits of the beneficiaries", she affirmed.