By Divine Sam
The retired deputy inspector general of police and Political Leader of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Udo Ekpoudom (Rtd), OON, on a maiden consultative visit to traditional institutions, paid homage to the Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo, Amanam Akpan Udo, alongside a delegation of eminent sons and daughters of the area.
Addressing the royal father and his council, Ekpoudom stated that the visit was his first official outing to formally present himself following his appointment as Political Leader of Etim Ekpo LGA. He attributed his emergence to the goodwill of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Bassey Eno, whom he described as a peace-loving and unifying leader committed to the progress of the state.
He commended the Paramount Ruler for his peaceful and exemplary reign, emphasizing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and stability. He therefore called on the royal institution to continue guiding the youths, urging them to shun cultism, violence, and other social vices, in line with the state government’s zero-tolerance stance.
Ekpoudom also used the occasion to rally support ahead of forthcoming political activities, calling on the people of the area to support the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
In his response, the Paramount Ruler, Prof. Amanam Udo, expressed appreciation for the visit and urged leaders at all levels to use their positions to uplift others. He stressed the importance of peace, unity, and mutual respect, while cautioning youths against cultism and gender-based violence. He further reaffirmed the need for collective responsibility in sustaining harmony within the community.
Former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Nse Ekanem, also lauded the royal father’s eloquence and clarity of thought, describing his leadership as both cerebral and inspiring.
The State Women Leader of the APC, Obonodo Uko, formally presented Ekpoudom to the Paramount Ruler as the Political Leader of the area, while commending the royal institution for its warm reception and continued support for governance.
The delegation extended the visit to the Clan Head of Ikono, His Highness Ezekiel Iwok. At the palace, Ekpoudom reiterated his commitment to peace and development, again appealing for support and urging community leaders to discourage violence and criminality among the youths.
In his remarks, Chief Ezekiel Iwok described Ekpoudom’s appointment as divinely ordained and recalled his contributions to the community, particularly the construction and furnishing of the TRC Hall at Utu Etim Ekpo for traditional rulers. He, however, called on government authorities to complement the efforts of royal fathers in curbing crime, criticizing instances where arrested offenders are allegedly released through undue influence.
The Clan Head, alongside the Ikono Clan Council, offered prayers for Ekpoudom and his entourage, invoking divine guidance and success in his leadership. Drawing a biblical parallel, Chief Uko Akpatang likened the blessings bestowed on Ekpoudom to that of Isaac upon Jacob.
Dignitaries present at the event included Hon. Akaninyene Eyo, JP; Barr. Chris Okorie; Prof. Imoh Moffat; Rt. Hon. Udeme Eduo; Dr. Fiokedu Okorie; Elder Nkopuruk Ekaiko; Hon. Eteobong Udoaka; Miss Anyanime Ebekut; Obonganwan Theresa Chris Okorie; Sir Sylvester Isonguyo; Engr. Otong, among others.
Leave a Reply