By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
A coalition of civil society groups in Akwa ibom have applauded the state government for sponsoring a Bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to upgrade the status of the Traditional institution in the State.
They have however called for the financial independence of the traditional institution to enable the royal fathers play their roles as fathers for all without interference.
The coalition made up of the Center For Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), led by Otuekong Franklyn Isong; People’s Rights to Life Development Foundation led by Comrade Ifot N. Ifot and Vital Partners for Development led by Dr. Victor David, made the assertion yesterday while addressing a joint press conference in Uyo.
The group which noted that the Bill was timely and long overdue for the state however urged the government and the people of the state to accord the traditional stools the respect they deserve so as not to make the new initiative an exercise in futility.
They called on the State House of Assembly to pass the Bill without any delay and urged Governor Umo Eno, to give assent to the Bill when passed and forwarded to him.
They justified the intendment of the drafters of the Bill and saluted their courage, meant to accord the head of the traditional institution in the state the same status as other reverred monarchs like the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife and the Obi of Onitsha.
According to them, the law would legalize the new status accorded to the monarchs and confer on them c
added rights and priviledges.
Under the new law, the Ifim Ibi Ibibio would serve as the life President of the State Traditional Rulers Council, encompassing Paramount Rulers, Clan Heads and Village Heads, while his Annang and Oro counterparts would serve as the First and Second Vice President respectively.
The Council would also have a chairman, meant to be rotated on a senatorial district basis and who would oversee the Paramount Rulers who are also heads of the traditional institution in their respective Local Councils.
