A senior clergy of the African church, Reverend Richard Peters, has called for a ceasefire in the ongoing vituperation and attacks on Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and the
traditional stool of Okuibom Ibibio over the amended traditional institution law in the state.
Ever since Governor Eno assented to the law making Okuibom Ibibio the life President-General of the traditional institution in the State, the traditional rulers from the other ethnic blocs of Annang and Oron and their supporters have condemned the new law.
In a statement by Peters, who is also former aide of ex-governor Udom Emmanuel, he said if the dimension the opposers of the law are taking is not checked, it could result to a crisis
even as he reminded them that Akwa Ibom people must remain one united family.
He, therefore, advised those who feel aggrieved by the amended law to explore constitutional means towards finding solace either through the courts or meaningful dialogue and engagement.
According to him, “I feel pained that some people including those who have no business with the activities of the traditional institution are now fanning the embers of division among a united family like Akwa Ibom people.
“It is worrisome to see young people now go to radio station and openly insult the state governor Pastor Umo Eno who has on several occasions explained that the new law was entirely the decision of the traditional rulers and have advised them to dialogue if there is any grey area.
“More disturbing is that those young people who pour diatribes on the governor and our revered traditional stool are sponsored by politicians to do so. They are neither doing it out of conviction nor understanding of the current issues.”
He highlighted that the amended law has nothing to do with suppressing minority ethnic groups but was enacted to take the stakes of the state higher in the comity of prominent traditional rulers across the country and to have a resounding voice in the country.
He maintained that the traditional institution law which was just amended in Akwa Ibom State had existed for decades in over 26 states across the country stressing that such laws was what made the stools of the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of lfe, Tor Tiv in Benue, Obi of Onitsha, among other renowned traditional rulers prominent.
