Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has warned those flouting government’s directive on the settled matter of the Obong of Calabar stool not to test the patience of his administration over their unguarded utterances and other actions that could threaten the existing peace in the state.
Speaking at the 12th Utomo Obong festival, at Adiabo, Odukpani Local Government Area, recently, the governor stressed that it is unbecoming of certain individuals to make insinuations and provocative statements on a matter which the state government has taken a position, following a ruling by the Supreme Court.
“We have no problem with anybody or group seeking judicial remedy to whatever perceived grievances. But this government will no longer tolerate insinuations and provocative statements capable of truncating the peace in the state.
“Power comes from God, therefore, whoever God has given power should be supported by all. The state government has taken a position based on the law and some people do not want to accept that. We will no longer tolerate any situation that threatens the peace of the state,’’ he said.
According to the governor, the state government will partner with the palace of the Obong of Calabar in seeking classical and ancient methods in providing good governance for the people under a peaceful atmosphere and consistent policy framework and implementation.
The security, peace process, due diligence and decency demonstrated in the Efik Kingdom architecture have informed our numerous achievements in the state in the past six months,” he added.
He described Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the 78th Efik monarch, as a man of peace, a champion of inclusiveness and an evolutionary cultural man
“His reign has seen to the stable federation of the 12 Efik principalities. The establishment of Obong of Calabar Executive Forum as the fulcrum of his engagements with his subjects in Efik language development, educational support programmes and dynamic preservation of culture and traditions of the Efiks is commendable,’’ he said.
The governor also commended the traditional ruler for his calmness of mind and stability of disposition in the face of the challenges to the throne, stressing that as a government, it salutes the genuine approach to achieving peaceful reign over the Efiks and the inhabitants of Calabar.
The governor told the gathering of Efik sons and daughters as well as other relevant stakeholders of his administration’s resolve to build a befitting palace for the Obong.
The gathering had in attendance the 12 clans paying homage to the Obong as well as notable personalities such as former Governor Donald Duke, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Professor Eyo Etim Nyong, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Edu.
Mrs Nella Andem-Ewa was the chairman on the occasion, with High Chief Gershom Henshaw as the chairman of the Obong of Calabar executive.
