By Emmanuel Uffot
The apex traditional stools of Akwa Ibom and Kano States have resolved to strengthen ties between the two kingdoms to promote and protect the cultural and socio-economic interests of their people.
These resolutions were expressed when the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk, hosted the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero last Monday October 9, at the Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Chambers, Uyo.
Ntenyin Etuk, who welcomed the Kano emirate delegation and the Akwa Ibom Hausa community, who were on the entourage expressed delight for the visit, describing the relationship between the two states as mutually beneficial and good for national unity.
The Akwa Ibom monarch noted that Nigeria was better off and united due to the visit, expressing hope that other parts of Nigeria would adopt such brotherhood as exhibited by the people of Akwa Ibom and Kano States as well as other northerners resident in Akwa Ibom.
“The people of Akwa Ibom know that we must live together, be in harmony with the Hausa community and beyond, do business together, and do other things that will bring growth and development to Nigeria at large. This is very prominent in our mind and I want to assure the people that this is a bond of unity.”
Also reacting to the visit, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, described his visit as first among many, and expressed satisfaction with the honour of being received in the state for the first time as Emir and the warm reception accorded him. He lauded the purposeful leadership of Governor Umo Eno, which he affirmed, was evident in the ambience of the state.
He stated his commitment to fostering peace and unity in Nigeria, emphasising that beyond furthering the successes of his forebears in building bridges of unity across the nation, he was determined to use his reign as King of West Africa’s centre of commerce to open doors of commerce, industry and other opportunities to other parts of the country with special consideration to Akwa Ibom State.
“I’m coming here with an open invitation, not only to my brothers, not only to the government, but also to the generality of the people here. We think they have something to do with Kano and the north at large, and I believe I can do a lot to make sure the benefit is mutual for the people of Akwa Ibom, Kano, and Nigeria at large.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, described the collaboration between the Akwa Ibom traditional rulers council and contemporaries across the nation as a testament to Governor Umo Eno’s reverence and commitment to accord due honour to the traditional institution.
Hon Archibong who welcomed the Emir on behalf of the state government, assurred the entire Kano Emirate of peace, safety and hospitality of the state.
The Emir had equally paid a courtesy visit to Governor Umo Eno with his entourage, where he extolled his leadership qualities and disposition as a bridge builder and pledged cooperation of the people and government of Kano with Akwa Ibom State.
Instructively, this is the first major assignment of the Akwa Ibom Monarch after the new amended Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council Law elevated his status as a first class Chief at par with the Emirs in the North, the Obas in Benin and South West, the Obis in the South East, the Olu of Warri and Obong of Calabar.
Unlike the previous arrangement where by the President General and Chairman Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs will seat on the stool for a period of one year before vacating it to another Paramount Ruler, Ntenyin Etuk will now occupy that position for life.
He is at first instance, the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
