Governor Bassey Otu (middle), Chairman, CRS Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler, Bakassi LGA, HRM, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet (2nd L), HRM Minen Takon Atangba, Paramount Ruler of Ikom (1st L), HRM Ophot Agbor Ebani, Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa (2nd R) and HRM Utsu Felix Okudare, Paramount Ruler of Obudu LGA
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu declared traditional rulers in the state as critical stakeholders in his government.
The governor in press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche noted that the traditional rulers pride of place in the development of the society cannot be over-emphasised.
Governor Otu made this known, Saturday, while inaugurating the Paramount Rulers of Akamkpa, Ikom and Obudu Local Government Areas at the Traditional Rulers Council Chambers in Calabar.
“Your roles as traditional rulers in your various Local Government Areas are very important, particularly as security is key to development. When there is no peace, there can hardly be development.
“But we want to believe that between the time we assumed office and now, people are beginning to sleep peacefully. And I know that it will even be better,” the governor remarked.
Otu, who reminded the traditional rulers of the important exchanges he had with them during the campaigns, assured the monarchs, “not one letter would be left out of those discussions.”
Continuing, the Governor said, “a lot of people do not know that if our traditional custodians do not wish us well, then things would not be well. But if they do, the sky would not be a limit.”
Otu said his administration would build the status of traditional rulers and take them to a position of respect.
In his words: “We want to build a veritable society where the respect and right of place and position would be enjoyed by our Paramount Rulers.”
Congratulating the newly inaugurated Paramount Rulers, Their Royal Majesties, Minen Takon Atangba (Ikom), Ophot Agbor Ebani and Utsu Felix Okudare, whom he described as people of impeccable capacities.
The Governor also commended the Chairman of Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, for his selfless leadership and for raising the standard of the traditional institution of the State, while assuring the monarchs of his administration’s commitment to their welfare.
“For the State, we are progressing in a positive direction. What we have done in six months, people would not believe it. We have laid a proper foundation for the economic progress of Cross River State. We are saying that we would build on all the gains of our predecessors.
“Partisan politics have gone with the elections. This is time for effective governance of the State. The programmes we have are going to touch every local government area, nook and crannies of the State. It is going to be very impactful,” Governor Otu stated.
The event climaxed with the presentation of Certificates and Staff of Office to the three Paramount Rulers.
