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CALABAR – The newly Inaugurated Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa Local Government Area, HRM Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, has said that one of his major goals is to ensure peace returns to the area, emphasising that his reign will bring peace to the land and the people.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the event the monarch said following the governor’s directives he will ensure peace processes amongst warring communities when his jurisdiction.
“Just as the Governor has stated, we need peace and it is our place to drive this process in our respective domains. Without peace, there will be no progress, and no development as well. We need to close that gap and ensure that peace is enthroned across the 18LGAs of the state. The time to begin the work is now, and there will be no room for complacency”. He said.
Speaking earlier while handing over their staff of office and certificate of recognition to the three Paramount Rulers of Akamkpa, Ikom, and Obudu Local Government Areas Inaugurated at the Traditional Rulers Council Chambers in Calabar, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State averred that traditional rulers in the State are critical stakeholders in his government, noting that their pride of place in the development of the society cannot be overemphasized.
“Your roles as traditional rulers in your various Local Government Areas are very important, particularly as security is key to development. When there is no peace, there can hardly be development.
“But we want to believe that between the time we assumed office and now, people are beginning to sleep peacefully. And I know that it will even be better,” the governor remarked.
Otu, who reminded the traditional rulers of the important exchanges he had with them during the campaigns, assured the monarchs that, “not one letter would be left out of those discussions.”
Continuing, the Governor said, “A lot of people do not know that if our traditional custodians do not wish us well, then things would not be well. But if they do, the sky would not be a limit.”
Otu said his administration would build the status of traditional rulers and take them to a position of respect.
In his words: “We want to build a veritable society where the respect and right of place and position would be enjoyed by our Paramount Rulers.”
The swearing-in and the presentation of the staff of office to the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRM Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani by the Executive Governor of Cross River State, HE Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu witnessed high commendations from several Akamkpa stakeholders, who all attended the event in their numbers.
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