By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Ntennyin Solomon Etuk, has charged aspirants in the forthcoming 2023 elections to exercise restraint and conduct themselves in a convivial manner that would ensure sustainable peace and stability in the state.
This call came on the heels of mixed reactions over Governor Udom Emmanuel’s endorsement of one of the governorship aspirants in the state.
According to the royal father, it will be needless and unhelpful to create tension in the land as election is a mere periodic constitutional process to elect servant-leaders into offices in Nigeria, whose duty is to serve the interest of the people in the overall good of our country.
He gave this charge in his palace at Ikot Udobo in Nsit Ubuim Local Government Area of the State, when he played host to a governorship hopeful, Pastor Umo Eno, who paid him a consultation visit.
He said: “Akwa Ibom is generally known for its peaceful disposition across Nigeria and the world over. Therefore, I urge you and other governorship aspirants to put the interest of Akwa Ibom state as paramount in your minds while going about your electioneering campaigns in the State.”
He commended the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, for working relentlessly to ensure that there is peace, harmony and stability in the state in the past six years in office, and further urge the political class to consolidate on the gains recorded by the governor to ensure lasting peace in the state before, during and after elections.
The Ibibio Nation apex traditional ruler posited that Umo Eno is a “child of respect and what God has destined for any man cannot be taken away.”
He added that as a traditional priest, he is open to offer blessings to his people irrespective of party affiliation.
The royal father offered prayers on a foremost governorship aspirant, Pastor Pastor Eno and advised him to build political bridges across the state ahead of the elections.
Presenting Pastor Eno to the Monarch, Director General of the campaign, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, National Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem and Senator Effiong Bob, all spoke glowingly the aspirant and asked for the blessing of the monarch upon him.