By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V and the Munene/Paramount Ruler of the Efuts, HRM Itam Hogan Itam, have lauded Governor Bassey Otu for the appointment of Sir Francis Edet as Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs.
The Monarchs said this while playing host to Sir Edet who paid them working visits at the Efanga Nsa and Anantigha palaces respectively. They noted that with Edet’s appointment, the Governor had indeed put square peg in square holes.
Speaking, the Obong of Calabar said Gov Otu’s appointment of technocrats and core professionals as aides to reposition and bring back the glory days to Cross River state was commendable.
“We heard so many stories some of which threatened peace but we thank God that in all, the Almighty always have his will established in the affairs of men. The government is doing well, we commend our son, the Governor, for steering the ship of State well.
“We pray that all his aides will buy into his vision for the State. We in the palace congratulate you on your appointment,” the Obong of Calabar said, and urged Otuekong Edet to be careful with his friends and what he says in public.
Edidem Abasi-Otu V also advised Otuekong Edet to always consult with the Governor before taking any decision or carrying out any task, and that he should ensure that he has the Governor’s order before acting.. He urged the Governor’s Appointee to always follow due process and transparency in all his doings.
Speaking earlier, Otuekong Edet told the Royal Father, who was flanked by members of the Efik Traditional Council, that the Governor entrusted him with the responsibility of coordinating and strengthening the traditional institution in the State. He sought for Royal blessings to enable him carry out the task successfully.
“I am on loan, I belong here, and when I finish the job, I will come back. Having worked here for several years, the Governor believes that I have extensive experience in chieftaincy matters and that I am disciplined enough to work with kings. With your prayers, I shall not disappoint,” Edet stated.
The next port of call was at the Palace of the Efut Monarch at Anantigha, Calabar South, where a huge crowd with traditional dances were waiting to receive him.
Speaking while receiving the Special Adviser, the Paramount Ruler of the Efut Kingdom, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, said the position Edet was occupying is always reserved for people with integrity and capacity to work with Royal Fathers, noting that Edet’s appointment was a proof that he was a man of integrity.
In his remarks, Otuekong Edet formally introduced himself as Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, and explained that his mission was to brief the traditional leaders on the government’s policies, programs, and projects and therefore seek their cooperation.
He called on all Efut leaders to end all cases in courts and stop every litigation against each other in order to attract government’s presence since development, he said, seldom take place in atmosphere of chaos. He prayed that peace and togetherness would reign in the troubled kingdom.
Also speaking, the Assistant General Secretary of the Efut Combined Assembly, Mr. Bassey Ekpenyong, thanked God for Edet’s appointment and expressed the kingdom’s need for government intervention, including the provision of an official bus and a befitting palace to enhance the smoother activities of the Assembly.
