2023 Guber: Nothing Must Happen to any Akwa Ibomite in the Name of Politics – A’Ibom Traditional Rulers Council Advises
By Ekemini Simon
The Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council has called on politicians to execute their electioneering campaigns peacefully, stressing that nothing must happen to any Akwa Ibom child because of the 2023 election.
The Council made the charge on Thursday when the campaign team of Mr. Umo Eno, one of the gubernatorial hopefuls for the 2023 Akwa Ibom State gubernatorial election consulted the Council in Uyo.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, the President- General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Nteyin Solomon Etuk advised politicians not to heat up the polity or take actions that will lead to the death of any Akwa Ibom son or daughter in the name of election.
” I want to call on all politicians not to heat up the polity. We don’t want to miss any of our children during the electioneering process. Politicians should go about their electioneering with the spirit of sportsmanship.”
The Patriarch advised aspirants in the gubernatorial race to speak to what they would be able to execute and not give the public unrealistic promises.
He added ” Our responsibility is to work for peace in our various domains. We operate on the capacity of fathers in the State. We have heard the beautiful promises made by the Governorship Aspirant here. As a father to all aspirants, I call on all to work to the glory of God and prestige to Akwa Ibom State.
” Our job is to bless and play the role of fathers. We can’t be anything without God’s approval. So, we ask you to commit yourself in prayers. We pray whoever wants to be Governor should have good health and wisdom. Our role is purely advisory. We won’t stop to advise you.
” We have so many candidates and we call on all to take this as sports. When you are defeated, key in. You that wins, take others along, work for the development of this State.”
While stressing that only God will decide who will emerge Governor of the State come 2023, Nteyin Etuk advised hopefuls to consult widely regardless of political party.
In their respective remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko, His Royal Majesty, Ovong Bassey Etim Edet and His Counterpart in Etim Ekpo, Akuku Amanam Akpanudo Udo commended Umo Eno over his choice of consulting the traditional rulers.
While pouring out their blessings on the aspirant, they charged him to keep to his promises for the people.
Earlier, the Gubernatorial Hopeful, Mr. Umo Eno said he found it imperative to consult the traditional rulers since they are the custodians of the traditions of the people.
Mr. Eno who said he grew up in Yorubaland hence molded in the tradition of respect assured the royal fathers that he would accord them the respect they deserve.
He promised to improve both the welfare and residence of the traditional rulers if elected.