Akwa Ibom Gov. Godswill Akpabio has tasked Traditional Rulers in the state to ensure that there is adequate peace and security in their domain.
Akpabio gave the task in Uyo on Saturday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 25th Chairman, Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Edidem Udo Ntuk Obom X11.
The governor said that as an arm of government, traditional rulers should remain partners in the task of development.
“You are security consultants to government, so, I urge you to report every suspicious element in your domain to the security agencies to rid the state of criminals.
“Traditional rulers must speak peace, they are not a pressure group or an NGO, and as an arm of government, your speech must therefore reflect what government is doing,’’ he said.
The governor advised the new chairman, traditional rulers’ council, to be mindful of his utterances as a custodian of the customs and tradition of the people.
In his acceptance speech, Ntuk Ubom X11 solicited cooperation from the council of traditional rulers and chiefs as was accorded his predecessor.
He promised to operate an open-door policy through regular consultations.
The chairman appealed to all indigenes of Akwa Ibom to join hands with government to build the state and the nation.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Effiong Abia had stated that within the 2011/2012 council year, government had recognised 271 traditional rulers.
Abia gave the breakdown to include two paramount rulers, 24 clan heads and 245 village heads, noting that the recognition brought peace, and a sense of belonging to the people of the state.
He claimed that the Akwa Ibom traditional institution was the most cherished, respected and peaceful in the country.
He said, “in keeping with Section 45(2) of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers law, the 25th chairman is sworn-in.
The high point of the event was the swearing-in and presentation of staff of office to the new chairman of traditional council.