The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom state Council of Chiefs, Edidem Dr. Ntoeng Udo Idiong Akpan, and the Paramount Ruler of the Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon (JP), have assured Governor Udom Emmanuel of the continued support of all royal fathers in the state to his leadership.

They said the Governor should not be worried about his re-election, as their earlier proclamation on his re-election still stands.

The royal fathers spoke on Monday in Uyo, during the swearing in ceremony of new paramount rulers for Uyo and Okobo by the state governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

The Uyo monarch who spoke on behalf of his Okobo counterpart, Edidem Ita Okokon, said as the fathers in the respective local government areas, they will stand by the Governor and ensure his second term is fulfilled.

The newly sworn in monarchs said it was only expedient that the people of the state stand behind the aspiration of Governor Emmanuel who represents Eket Senatorial District, for two terms of eight years.

Edidem Edem said as a traditional father of Uyo, he has already placed a directive to Uyo people to collectively support the Governor, as was obtainable with the two previous governors who served for eight years respectively.

“I have seen what other Governors are doing in their states, and I can say that our Governor has performed very well,” he added.

Also speaking, the chairman of the state council of chiefs, Edidem Dr. Ntoen Udo Idiong Akpan, thanked the Governor for maintaining peace in the state and congratulated him on the 31st anniversary celebration.

He thanked the Governor, for his recent donation of a sport utility vehicle, and requested same for the new paramount rulers.

Edidem Idiong Akpan requested the new royal fathers to show wholehearted support to all the policies of the Governor advising that the Governor has done very well and merits re-election.

Speaking the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel thanked God for the support of the royal fathers over the years in the course of statehood.

He said the destiny of the state cannot be left in the hands of few people, and insisted that the current situation in the state was a struggle towards liberating the state from a few selfish minds who feel they alone own the state.

Governor Emmanuel said that it was a sad precedence, for someone who climbed up with the aid of a ladder to end up pushing down the ladder so that others would be unable to climb.

“Whenever Israel is to be liberated, there is always a Pharaoh, and God who knows how to deal with Pharaoh, will certainly deal appropriately with the Pharaohs of Akwa Ibom.”

Governor Emmanuel said that he was surprised that certain persons could turn around today to ask him who his God is, simply because he has anchored his aspiration on the slogan, “Only God”.

“I thank the paramount rulers for supporting us, and whether the opposition likes it or not, Akwa Ibom must move forward and nothing can stop us.”

He expressed his desire to ensure that all the royal fathers are well taken care of, to enhance their performance on the throne.

He acknowledged the peaceful processes that paramount rulers have emerged in the last few years, also commended them on the emergence of a new supreme royal father of the Ibibio rulers, Oku Ibom (III).

He charged the traditional fathers to continue to strive towards the peace in their domains, saying his administration will always do everything possible to ensure security of life and property, which he identified as bedrock to major developments.

“People called me and asked me, how could you allow the opposition to use the stadium and attack you, and I told them sorry, I came to see that stadium and I will not go with it, what matters most is the peace of my state.”

Since it was obvious that some persons are out to cause division and violence in the state, the Governor said he has vowed to ignore them and continue with his service to the people in a peaceful atmosphere.

He said he came to see a state where some communities were never touched by development for several years, but added that those artificial barriers have been broken and developments are coming into all parts of the state.

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