TRADITIONAL RULERS MUST PROTECT THEIR COMMUNITIES FROM VANDALS – Gov. Eno

TRADITIONAL RULERS MUST PROTECT THEIR COMMUNITIES FROM VANDALS – Gov. Eno

Akwa Ibom state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has charged traditional rulers to protect government facilities within their domain from vandals.

Governor Eno who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, at a meeting with the forum of village heads, held at conference hall of the ministry, said traditional rulers had a responsibility to protect government facilities within their jurisdiction.

He commended the traditional rulers for maintaining peace in their respective communities during the yuletide and beyond, and said in terms of spread, under the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, projects have spread evenly, and at least, there is one single project in any village.

The Governor has promised to construct a borehole in the 329 wards of the state, he has involved the village heads in leadership at the grassroots and has given them relevance, which should not be taken for granted, Archibong stated.

The Commissioner reiterated the Governor’s position, that wherever there’s vandalisation, there is negligence on the part of the leadership of the community. He warned that going forward, there will be consequences which the village heads will face, if there is any vandalisation anywhere again. The Commissioner further said that all youth presidents will henceforth register with the Ministry of Youth, and work with their village heads to curb this vandalism.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, cautioned that crime rates could rise if village heads neglect their core traditional responsibilities of maintaining peace and safeguarding government property. He urged them to refrain from any actions capable of breaching public order.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien, represented by Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Orok, affirmed that the Governor’s ARISE Agenda has made tangible grassroots impact across the state, emphasizing that Akwa Ibom remains peaceful, safe, and secure.

Speaking, Chief Ubong Obadiah, coordinator, forum of village heads, Oruk Anam, commended the Governor and appealed that village heads be involved from the beginning of any government project in their locality.

The village Head of Ikot Ntuen Oku, Eteidung Nsikak Ikpe, alleged that “iron condemn” people are the scavengers who vandalise public properties and also accused the police of demanding for large sum to prosecute suspected thieves when they are caught.

Speaking on behalf of those from Eket Senatorial District, the Village Head of Odoro Atabong, Dr. Ferdinand Ikwang, alongside Friday Robinson Inyang, President of the Confluence of Village Heads, commended the well-coordinated security architecture in Eket and pledged sustained partnership to safeguard government property within their domain.

They applauded the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promises and delivering visible development across the villages, urging their colleagues to uphold peace and remain united in the collective pursuit of progress.

Responding, the Commissioner on behalf of the Governor, charged the village heads to take charge of their villages and show leadership and take the Governor’s message back to every part of their communities.

“As a Village Head entrusted with the care of your community, continue to engage and communicate effectively with the appropriate authorities. You have done commendably well, and you can do even better. It is because of leaders like you that everyone who visits Akwa Ibom State leaves with a lasting impression that our land is safe, peaceful, and secure.”