Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state has sworn-in HRM Edidem (Dr) Ntoeng Udo Effiong Akpan JP as the 29th Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs alongside seven new Paramount rulers in the state.
Edidem Akpan who is currently the Paramount ruler of Ini local government area took over from HRM Owong Achanga, Paramount ruler of Ibeno local government area who served in that capacity for a two year term, first in the history of the state Council of chiefs.
The inauguration took place today, Monday September 25, 2017 at the Banquet Hall, Governor's house complex Uyo.
Performing the inauguration, Governor Emmanuel lauded the outgoing State Chairman for his extrovert level of exposure and reliability, describing him as the first and best chairman he had a cordial working relationship with.
He charged the outgoing Chief to use his time to cordinate youths of the area against unwholesome behaviour that may scare investors away from coming into the state, which according to him will not speak well for the future generations in the state.
He specifically commended the traditional chiefs for maintaining peace in their various areas of jurisdiction, describing them as men of quality with dependable allies.
Governor Udom Emmanuel thanked the traditional rulers and indeed all citizens for their corporation and support in the 30th anniversary celebration of the state.
The governor congratulated the newly sworn-in Paramount rulers and state chairman noting that the forum has increased in number.
He urged that vacancies in traditional stools be declared immediately without delay promising that the state government will make the declaration whenever there's such vacancies again.
In his welcome address the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. udo Ekpenyong said the gathering was to witness the swearing in of the 29th state Chairman, Council of chiefs alongside the seven paramount rulers in the state.
He said the Governor is working assiduously to provide mobility and monthly security and vehicle allowance to royal fathers in the state.
He thanked the governor for the cordial relationship he has created between the traditional rulers and Akwa Ibom State government .
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past chairman of Akwa Ibom state Council of chiefs, Owong Dr. Achanga thanked God for the grace to pilot the council from 2015 to 2017. He thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for extending his tenure from one year to two years, the gesture he said was the first of its kind.
Owong Achanga expressed appreciation to the Commissioner in the Chieftaincy ministry whom according to him had been so supportive throughout his reign.
He thanked the Governor for granting the approval for renovation of royal father's palaces and other benefits, declaring the royal fathers' support for the Governor beyond 2019.
He said the Governor has the sole right to choose who becomes the helmsman in the council, praying for the success of the newly sworn in state chairman.
In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn in state chairman of Akwa Ibom state Council of Chiefs expressed appreciation for the new position.
He described the appointment as a clarion call for service and for keeping order and stability to ensure peace and unity in the state.
While congratulating the immediate past chairman of the council for his bold and courageous manner of leadership, He thanked the Governor and state Executive for the confidence reposed on him, promising to do his best for the growth of the state.
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