Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has warned traditional rulers in the state against deviating from lay down rules.
Otu stated this on Tuesday, 16th July 2024, during the inauguration of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers’ Council Chairman, His Royal Majesty, Ovai Solomon Osim Edward, Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, in Calabar.
The Governor said the traditional rulers have been in entirety the custodians of norms and traditions until the advent of modern government.
He warned that anyone who is found of deviant character will lose his office.
“Before the advent of modern government, traditional rulers have been effective in revenue generation for the state through tax collection, proactive in dealing with deviant members of the community who threaten the peace of the people. That seems to be different in recent times because of the collaborative attitude of some royal fathers with these persons of questionable characters.
“From henceforth, any royal father who harbours persons of deviant character will lose his office and be treated as an accomplice.
“I, therefore, called on the Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers’ Council inaugurated today to take this message to other royal fathers,” Otu said.
Otu who said his administration will continue to provide support for the Council, urged the royal fathers to perform at their best for a productive Cross River State.
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“On the part of my administration, we shall continue to provide all that you need to perform your duties accordingly.
“We know that times are challenging and times are difficult but we are going to do our very best to make sure that you are comfortable and in order to mitigate some of the problems that you are facing. As Paramount Rulers, you are the custodian of the people’s culture in your different locations.
“May I, on behalf of all of us and all Cross Riverians congratulate everyone that has been inaugurated today. I want to assure you that you are welcome. Yes, we have been able to parley for over a year now and we need to double what we achieved in the first year.
“Your oncoming is purely on your performance and based on the trajectory and of course, experience and your knowledge. We want all of you to bring out your best to make sure that at the end of the second year, we are able to do double of what we have done,” the Governor added.
The inauguration conducted by the Governor was attended by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Akon Ikpeme, legislators and other public officials and politicians.
Converseer reports that HRM Edward was confirmed by the Cross River State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 17th July 2024.