ON RECENT MISGUIDED ATTACKS ON THE AKWA IBOM STATE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION

By Otuekong Emem Udoma

Few recent commentaries on the Akwa Ibom State traditional institution have assumed absurd and skewed slants.

The tilt towards the absurd stems from misconception, misinformation and a glaringly sponsored drive at maligning the very revered institution which is the bastion and custodian of our culture and tradition.

For graciously stabilizing the polity ahead of the 2023 elections and sacrificially fulfilling other statutory responsibilities, the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council has been adjudged by few as biased and compromised.

Not just the traditional institution as a canopy, the nozzle of the invectives is sometimes turned at Paramount Rulers who have tried their best in executing their responsibilities despite mounting challenges.

A recent poorly-cobbled piece by

a serially indicted and convicted former American resident, calls to question the sincerity of the purveyors of these attacks. The name Zion Eno Umoh is just few online clicks away from the bearer's appalling records in the United States of America.

In Nigeria, he has been in and out of prisons severally, and is standing trial for charges including cyber crime, fraud, blackmail and defamation.

When a questionable character is hired to cast aspersions on revered personalities who achieved fame and fortune long before he was even procreated, the outcome will always be few cheers among some brainwashed fans, and then shrugs plus sighs in the community of sane citizens who have long inculcated respect for the traditional institution.

An ex-convict, currently standing trial for various grievous offences lacks the morality to cry wolf over what he knows little or nothing about.

Bandying an empty sentiment of how traditional rulers who hitherto rode on what he described as archaic automobiles, are now cruising on modern wheels donated by government, sounds plausible can only to the ears of few including the one bankrolling the preposterous online onslaught.

For emphasis, the current crop of traditional rulers is composed of well-exposed and successful men who worked for and attained wealth before ascending the throne.

Yes, the SUVs which serve as their official vehicles were donated by the state government upon their respective swearing-in. It was to aid their mobility and comfort given the enormity of task they are assigned. Such gesture does not imply that these men of honour cannot conveniently bring out millions of Naira to purchase the SUVs for personal use. A comparison should be made in how the traditional institution is treated by government in other states of the federation, before the wild claim of compromise is churned out.

For emphasis, the President General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Ntenyin Solomon Etuk's net worth runs into several millions in hard currency. He has been a renowned real estate developer and contractor who has handled projects for the federal government and other clients across Nigeria. Such profile is a stark opposite to Zion Umoh's status as a 'carless' swindler whose latest automobile was a 1999 model Jaguar salon car long abandoned somewhere at Ekpenyong Street in Uyo.

Other topics raised including alleged political partisanship, use of police men as guards, and living in mansions, portray the promoter of the ill-intentioned piece as an unlearned mind.

The traditional institution is anchored on royalty. Paramount Rulers are often referred to as 'royal fathers', therefore should not be expected to live as paupers. The glamour of royalty in the United Kingdom, United States, Africa and other climes is very glaring. Kings, queens and their lineage are accorded honour and respect by even elected officials of government.

It therefore sounds unconvincing to expect men of means to live like paupers.

On use of gun-wielding security agents, our traditional rulers have the liberty to do so. It's a matter of choice given the appalling security situation of the country. Zion Eno Umoh should direct his misguided bile to political leaders who have failed to implement foolproof security strategies that would have safeguarded the country.

He is someone who claps a lot for his political friends especially those in his APC camp, I therefore advise him to reserve some energy for properly advising them.

To the central theme of this piece which is alleged politicization of the traditional institution, I wish to state inter alia:

While it cannot be convincingly situated that the traditional institution in the state has meddled into mainstream politics, I however wish to do a bit of back grounding.

Recapping the political roles hitherto played by the institution in Nigeria would suffice. During the pre-colonial period, the traditional institution was the sole administrator of power and governance.

Although there was no written constitution regulating their functions, they were guided by customs, traditions and conventions. The society was orderly as societal laws were respected.

In the colonial era, owing to their importance and influence, they became an integral component of governance. The British authorities still gave huge power and responsibilities to them because the locals were accustomed to submitting to be administered by the traditional rulers.

In the First Republic which succeeded the colonial era, the constitution created House of Chiefs. The House was majorly a parliament membered by traditional rulers. They formulated policies and performed the cardinals roles expected of a parliament. It served as the second legislative chamber next to the Senate.

While there has been persistent outcry that other constitutions since the first republic have whittled down the influence of the traditional institution, it is worthy of note that the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council has not overstepped its bounds into mainstream politics. The advisory role they have been confined to have been properly exercised.

No political candidate has been handpicked by the institution, as alleged.

Unlike some climes like Edo State where the Oba and other traditional rulers openly endorsed a particular gubernatorial candidate - a move which drew criticisms - the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council has not, and has never chosen, or endorsed a sole candidate for any elective office ahead of the 2023 polls.

As witnessed in the case of the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno, the traditional institution only counselled the aspirant and gave him its blessing to run among other contestants. Other contestants who have consulted the council have equally received the counsel and blessings of the traditional rulers’ council to run in 2023. I make bold to add that no one can point at any video clip, or picture, or statement wherein the current Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council endorsed any aspirant or candidate. The council is holding firm to its advisory role in spite of clamour by traditional rulers in other states that the House of Chiefs be re-established via amendment of the 1999 constitution to check excesses of political office holders.

The hatchet job of ridiculing our traditional institution and making it appear useless to outsiders is an affront on the traditional institution.

I add that it is a counter-productive and dangerous mission which must be aborted before grievous repercussions ensue. Our traditional rulers have made enough sacrifices in terms of administering their domain with little encouragement and support.

May they not be provoked to make calamitous pronouncements on these purveyors of insults, lies and hate.

(Otuekong Emem Udoma is a titled Prince in Annang land)