Boki gets Paramount Ruler (3/6/08)

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has reminded paramount rulers of their role in maintaining peace and security in their domains for the State to actualize its dream as the most preferred destination in West Africa.

While swearing in His Royal Highness Otu Fredaline Enka Akandu as the Paramount Ruler of Boki Local Government Area, Imoke noted that as custodians of the traditional institution and being very close to the grassroots, it is incumbent upon them to monitor what goes on in their localities and keep Government informed as it will not fail to withdraw their certificates if they fan any kind of communal feud.

Imoke warned that Government does not tolerate any communal conflict and breakdown of law and order, stating that it will continue to work closely with the traditional institution as they will assist Government in checking environmental issues.

The Governor congratulated Akandu for his elevation and commended the clan heads of the area for selecting him as their paramount ruler without any rancour, hoping that those who elected him would support him to ensure peace, adding that Boki being the food basket of the State, also accommodates some forest reserves which should be protected because of their importance.

On the Nsadop Oil Palm States, he promised that Royalty from the Estate will be paid because it is the pivot to the progress of the people, adding that Government in its effort to establish presence in the area, has expended N1.351 billion in the construction of roads in the first phase of its road programme.

He advised descendants of the area with grievance on any matter to follow the proper channel because of Government’s belief in the rule of law, adding that Government has put many machineries in motion in its effort to develop the area.

The Special Adviser, Chieftaincy Affairs, Surv. Emman Arop in his introductory remarks, said Akandu was elected by the clan heads in Boki Local Government Area as their paramount ruler on February 29 following the normal traditional procedure after the demise of the former paramount ruler of Boki, His Royal Highness Otu Anthony Eki Ewa II in 2007.

Presenting Akandu, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Fidelis Ugbo, said his people found him fit and worthy to serve them as their paramount ruler and they elected him as the chairman of Boki Traditional Rulers Council.

The paramount Ruler of Boki Local Government HRH Otu Fredaline Enka Akandu in his acceptance speech, thanked those who elected him and the State Government for its recognition while pledging his unflinching loyalty and cooperation to the State.

Governor Imoke later presented 17 of the Paramount Rulers in attendance including Akandu with the keys of Ford Jeep Escape as official cars within their respective domains.

Government House Press