IBIBIO ELDERS AND LEADERS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL GROUPS ISSUE COMMUNIQUE

In a gathering held at Asan Ibibio on Sunday, September 24, 2023, marking the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, the Elders of Ibibio Nation and Leaders of Ibibio socio-cultural organizations released the following communique:

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor, on the occasion of the 36th Anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.

Our gratitude goes to Governor Umo Eno for his approval of the Bill amending the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap.155, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022. We also acknowledge the inauguration of His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon D. Etuk (CFR) as the President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and HRM, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, as the Council’s Chairman as part of the 36th Anniversary celebrations.

We commend the Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Ottong, and the Members of the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for passing the Bill amending the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap. 155, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022.
We firmly assert that this law is crucial for the comprehensive development, peace, stability, national recognition, and progress of Akwa Ibom State.

It is worth noting that other states in the Federation have successfully implemented similar traditional structures.

The meeting had the presence of distinguished elders and leaders from Ibibio socio-cultural organizations, including:
Dr. Asikpo Essienibok, chairman;
Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh,
Arc. Ekong Etuk, FNIA;
Prof. Etie Ben Akpan, Nsit Elders Council, Mboho Ndito Nsit;
Prof. Trenchard Ibia, Nsit Elders Council; Mboho Ndito Nsit
Prof. Etok Ekanem, Adaha Ibibio;
Ntisong Pius Okon, the Ntisong Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio IV;
Mkpisong Tony Okpon, Secretary-General of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio;
The Chairman of Ibibio Elders Forum, Hon. (Dr.) Emmanuel Akpanobong;
Akparawa James Edet, International President, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio;
Akparawa (Otuekong) Fiokidaha Umoh, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio;
Engr. Emmanuel Akpan, President, Ibibio National Union;
Dr. Uduak Eshiet, the Chancellor, Ibibio Academic Roundtable;
Surv. Chris Ekpo, Secretary, Nsit Elders Council, Mboho Ndito Nsit; and
Pastor Ekpedeme Akpan.