Otu Promises Traditional Rulers New Statuses

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, says traditional rulers in the State are critical stakeholders in his government, noting that their pride of place in the development of the society cannot be overemphasised.

Governor Otu made this known on 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.

R-L: Governor Bassey Otu presenting Certificate to HRM Felix Okudare, Paramount Ruler of Obudu

Otu, who reminded the traditional rulers of the important exchanges he had with them during the campaigns, assured the monarchs that, “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.”

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Otu said his administration would build the status of traditional rulers and take them to a position of respect.

R-L: Governor Bassey Otu in a handshake after presenting certificate to HRM Minen Takon Atangba, Paramount Ruler of Ikom

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 (Akamkpa) and Utsu Felix Okudare (Obudu), whom he described as people of impeccable capacities, the Governor also commended the Chairman of Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Etinyin (Dr) 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 the 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 day’s event climaxed with the presentation of certificates and Staff of Office to the three Paramount Rulers.