Akpabio tasks traditional rulers on inter-ethnic harmony

The Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has urged traditional rulers in the state to enhance inter-ethnic harmony in their domain.Akpabio gave the charge in Uyo during the swearing in ceremony of the 24th Chairman of the state Council of Chiefs, Okuku Ime Inyang.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Inyang is the paramount ruler of Ibiono Ibom.The governor noted that the state's founding fathers were known for preaching peace and enhancing inter-ethnic harmony among the ethnic groups in the state.He said, it was however, unfortunate that the younger generations were deviating from this norm.'As custodians of tradition and the direct link between the government and the people, I charge you to remain as the chief agents of transformation and peace.'My job as the governor is to give you quality leadership and yours is to help me create an enabling environment to allow for the development we need in Akwa Ibom,' Akpabio said.He called on the new chairman to live up to the people's expectations as a seasoned administrator.Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Paul Ekpo, had thanked the governor for providing adequate welfare package to the royal fathers.He said this had helped in transforming the traditional institution in the state.'All our royal fathers, in addition to their monthly stipends, enjoy the ride in comfort with brand new cars like Kia Sorento Jeeps which you graciously approved for them.," the commissioner said.In his speech, the new chairman pledged to reform the council in accordance with other traditional institutions across the country.'We shall look for indigenous titles to recognise our paramount rulers as it is applicable in other states,' he said.Inyang also promised to use his tenure for the service of humanity, saying the motherless babies' homes in the state would be given adequate attention.NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of 31 Toyota Prado Jeeps to the 31 paramount rulers as the 24th anniversary gift.
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