Akwa Ibom State commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, has expressed concern over the poor turnout of the electorates for the ongoing voter registration and revalidation exercise.

He appealed to traditional rulers to woo their subjects across the state’s 31 local government areas participate in the exercise.

Besides, the commissioner called for a unified and sustained support from traditional rulers towards effective implementation of the governor, Pastor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda blueprint.

Speaking during a visit to the Traditional Rulers Council in Uyo yesterday, commissioner Archibong stated that the depth and quality of governor Eno’s developmental blueprint for the state required a broader coalition of support from every sector.

While thanking the Royal Fathers for their cooperation thus far, the commissioner passionately appealed for sustainable collaboration to continue through the governor’s first term, and beyond. He emphasized that such enduring partnership was crucial towards consolidating the developmental gains already achieved.

“This support for the governor has been remarkable, and I’m sure it will continue. We must support him in all ramifications, 360 degrees,” Archibong declared.

He assured the monarchs that their efforts were highly valued, noting, “I appreciate the royal fathers for their work, and I know the governor does not take their contributions for granted.”

The traditional institution, he noted, remains the bedrock of societal stability, indispensable for ensuring order and fostering an environment where government policies can flourish for the benefit of all citizens.

Reflecting on his own experience as a former council chairman, the commissioner acknowledged the relentless service and challenges faced by traditional rulers and expressed profound gratitude for their steadfast backing.

He, therefore, urged the traditional leaders to champion the ongoing voter registration exercise, as the response so far has been unimpressive. He explained that “as key influencers, their role is critical in strengthening the state’s democratic foundations by ensuring a fully enrolled electorate, which is essential for fair political representation and development planning.”

Looking ahead, the commissioner highlighted the upcoming state anniversary celebrations on September 23, 2025, reminding them that it was an event designed to honour the traditional institution. He called for their full cooperation to ensure its success.

Archibong used the occasion to condemn in the strongest terms recent abuses of tradition and culture, citing specific instances of individuals using the internet to poor insults and other invectives at the governor, and a case where a masquerade inflicted physical harm on a citizen.

He made it clear that while the government cherishes and promotes culture, it would not tolerate its perversion into a tool for violence and intimidation. He, therefore, directly appealed to the Royal Fathers, as custodians of peace and order, to curtail such excesses within their domains.

“While the State government is not against culture, it will not condone harmful practices against the people in its name,” he stated. (LEADERSHIP)