Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has cautioned traditional rulers and Local Council chairmen against making pronouncements and passing judgements on land disputes.
He has also reminded them that the ownership and judgements on land matters within the state according to law still rest with the state governor.
Emmanuel made this known at the swearing-in and presentation of staff of office to the Paramount Ruler of Ini Local Council, Edidem Udoette Edon and certification of nine newly recognized clan heads in Uyo at the weekend tasking them to operate within the law and permissible boundaries in the discharge of their duties.
The governor who appreciated the contributions and support of the traditional institution to the success of his administration advised them against using the privilege of their office to cause disharmony among communities in the state by making pronouncements that ought not be made by any other outside the office of the governor.
“Every single piece of land in the state is entrusted in the governor, not in the Paramount Ruler. No Paramount Ruler has any right to make pronunciations about boundaries except the state governor.
“So please let no Paramount Ruler cause confusion please, let nobody disturb the peace of this state because of selfish interest. Let’s continue to love in peace and harmony.
” If you have any issue, let the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs know and from there, I’ll know immediately and then the Attorney General will come in and we take it through the right law. Please don’t go and make any pronunciations that are not allowed.
“I also want to caution, no Local Government Chairman has the right to delineate the boundary of any Local Government Area or any state. If you do that, it means you are not fit to hold that office and I’m sure the law would take it’s course” the governor added.” He said.
The governor sued for synergy between the Local Councils and the traditional institutions and congratulated the newly sworn-in royal fathers, tasking them to be guided by their oath of office in carrying out their functions.
Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong in an address communicated the appreciation of the royal fathers to the Governor for the new frontiers of economic development, peace and prosperity of the state in the last 35 years.
Archibong who commended Emmanuel for demonstrating genuine commitment to redefining the status and boosting the image of the traditional institution in words and deeds assured that the traditional rulers would continue to play the role of maintaining peace in their various domains.
Highpoints of the event were the administration of oath of allegiance and oath office and the presentation of Certificate of Recognition, Staff of Office and a brand new Toyota Prado SUV as official car to the new Paramount Ruler.
Certificates of Recognition were also presented to the new nine Clan Heads from Abak, Obot Akara, Uyo, Ukanafun, Essien Udim, Ini, Ikono, Okobo and Udung Uko Local Councils.
