*seek clarification and assistance from Eket monarch

The family heads of Idung Ani Ikot Usekong in Eket Local government area have expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay in the issuance of the official certificate of recognition to their village head elect, Eteidung Douglas Samuel Bassey Alfred, six years down the line after the presentation ceremony to the Eket Traditional Rulers Council

This was made known to the Paramount Ruler of Eket, His Royal Majesty, Edidem E C D Abia during a courtesy call on his palace by the family heads of the said community.

According to the spokesperson, Elder Chief Okon Jackson Udoh, six solid years have elapsed since we did the presentation ceremony of our village head here, and till this moment, he has not been officially issued with a certificate of recognition from the powers that be.

“This has indeed really stalled accelerated development in our village and we can no longer fold our arms and watch this ugly development persist without asking pertinent questions to advance our cause.

It is on this note that we are now appealing to our royal father, the Eket monarch to please come to our aide in ensuring that this anomaly is redressed without any further delay.”

In his swift response, Edidem E C D Abia said that he has taken note of their concerns and appreciated their patience, understanding and commitment to the peace and progress of their community.

He assured them that the matter will receive quick attention that it deserves since the traditional institution is guided by due process, fairness and due respect for customs and established procedures, noting that the delay should not be interpreted as a denial or disregard for the office in the community.

The monarch urged all stake holders to remain calm, law abiding as always by avoiding actions that may undermine the units of the village.

” Let’s continue to work together in peace, mutual respect and understanding for the development of our individual villages ” The chartered accountant turned royal father further said.

One of the highpoints of the occasion was the presentation of the village byelaws enacted for the smooth running of Idung Ani Ikot Usekong to the paramount ruler.

On the entourage were twelve out of the fourteen family heads . They include Chief Assam Jackson Ibok of EKPUK OKPO ABASI, Elder Chief Okon Jackson Udoh of EKPUK ASSEN ABASI, Elder Chief Bassey Etie Bassey of EKPUK ETTEUMONDIA, Elder Chief Okon Bassey of EKPUK ESIET EKA, Engineer Eder Chief Moses Tobby of EKPUK UKPA EDINAM, Pastor Chief Jacob Robert Uko of EKPUK ADIAHA UKO, Chief Friday Samuel Ubokudom of EKPUK NSIN ESU , Elder Chief Bassey Johnny Edoho of EKPUK EDOHO IBOK, Chief Ikpong James Akpaubak of EKPUK AKPAUBAK , Chief Udo Bassey Udoidem of EKPUK ESIET EKONG AKPATARA, Chief David Sunday of EKPUK AKPAKPAN, Chief Emmanuel Ndueso Jackson of EKPUK ASSEN ETOK.

The remaining family heads of Ekpuk Atara and Ekpuk Ndong Akpan Ubium have since joined their ancestors and no replacements have yet been made.