Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Elders Rebirths
… Insists Akwa Ibom in Need of Wise Counsel, Courageous Voice
…As Former Military Officers, Chief Judge, Ministers Converge
By Ekemini Simon
A pan Akwa Ibom organisation, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Elders was on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 reconstituted.
The organisation which was first inaugurated in 2002 and was notable for its vocal stance on issues concerning the State witnessed a state of inactivity after the demise of its inaugural President, Dr Donald Etiebet, former Governor of Cross River State.
In the reconstitution, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Elders is made up of all former Governors and their Deputies, all former Ministers, all former Senators, all former Ambassadors, all former Secretaries to Government, all former Vice Chancellors, all former State Chief Judges and all former Judges of the State, Federal, Appellate and Supreme Courts.
Others in the council are former Commissioners who left office in the last 20 years, all Retired Military Officers not below the rank of Colonel in the Army and their equivalent in the Navy and Air Force and all Retired Police Officers not below the rank of Commissioners and their equivalent in the DSS, Customs, Immigration and Civil Defence.
In a speech presented on the occasion held in Uyo by Chief Moses Essien on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Elders, he noted that the reconstitution is necessary and auspicious especially as both the country and the State are in need of wise counsel, guidance and support of seasoned men and women who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavors.
Chief Essien pointed out that as Elders, they have a duty not just to
finish strong but finish well by emptying themselves to the full thus benefit the State that gave them the foundation and platform to fly in life.
While stating that today, Akwa lbom State is in need of a voice to engage the rest of the nation of Nigeria, he added “We need a voice to calm frayed nerves in the state, fill present and successive government with the wisdom they require to succeed, build synergy amongst our people, provide necessary guidance to sustainable development, peace, progress and unity of Akwa lbom State.
“We need a voice for moral rearmament of our society, a voice to restore our lost values, and ensure that our youths are excellent in character with all intent and purpose, so that we can have a future generation to be proud of. This revered Council is that voice and we cannot afford to renege now or in future.”
Chief Essien who is a Former Commissioner in the State offered insight into the fact that the idea of Akwa lbom State Supreme Council of Elders grew out of the concern for greater Akwa Ibom unity, economic prosperity, peace and security of the State and the desire to further pursue the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the founding fathers of the State.
Chief Moses Essien presenting an address.
He insisted that the actualisation of the objectives cannot be left in the hands of serving State governments alone, if Akwa lbom State must attain her desired greatness in the 21st century and beyond.
Chief Essien stressed that their objective has inspired their desire to giveback to Akwa Ibom from the vast human knowledge, experience and knowhow that the State at the highest level has produced over the years.
He explained that it is this reason some elders in the State whose passion for service to the State has continued to grow, resolved to further move Akwa Ibom State forward by complimenting the efforts of serving State Governments at any given time through formation of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Elders.
Also in his remark, a Former Minister, Chief Nduese Essien noted that the rebirth of the council is imperative especially as the State is degenerating to a level where people are polarized along the line of political parties.
Former Minister, Chief Nduese Essien making his remarks.
He said since members of the council are blessed with experience and reach, he is optimistic that they will contribute immensely towards moving the State forward.
On his part, the former Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Godwin Abraham charged the Council to stand prominent as impartial voice for the State.
former Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Godwin Abraham giving a remark.
He emphasized that the State is in dire need of Elders who are courageous yet respectful to constituted authorities while making recommendations when things go wrong.
The event witnessed the convergence of renowned former military officers, Ministers, former Judges, Commissioners among other top officers who served the State.