Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong has charged Village Heads in Akwa Ibom State to continue to provide support to Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The Commissioner stated this, when he hosted Chapter Chairmen of Mboho mme Eteidung(Forum of Village Heads) across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to Archibong, “I intend to work closely with the Village Heads, if we set up a mechanism in the villages, we will arrest insecurity. The Commissioner for Internal Security cannot succeed alone without the cooperation of the Village Heads.
I want all of you as Village Heads to have relationship with your Police Divisions. We appreciate you for your support so far to the Governor, and you need to understand that as Village Heads, you’ve been handed a very serious responsibility.
The Governor has said, he will tackle security this year. The reason why people and parastatals bring their conferences and workshops here is because Akwa Ibom State is peaceful, and we must maintain that.
The Governor is also ensuring that projects get to all local government areas in the state.
Also speaking at the meeting, Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen Koko Essien(Rtd), said, we need information from the Village Heads. The traditional rulers must ensure that those also recruited into Ibom Community Watch live in their units.
You must volunteer information from your community. Our Ministry will partner with the Village Heads to succeed with the Governor. He has also signed a contract with the Navy to build a ferry for Akwa Ibom State. Very soon, we will witness the reviving of our marine sector, Gen Koko stated.
Reacting, Eteidung Emmanuel Stephen Umoren, Village Head of Abia Okpo, Otoro Abak, who spoke for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district Village Heads, thanked the Governor for his support to the traditional institution, and also sought the protection of Village Heads, who may volunteer information to the police.
Also reacting, Offong Engr Etim E Okon, Village Head of Oyoku Ibighi, in Urue Offong Oruku, who spoke for Eket Senatorial District, advocated for an increase pay for the Village Heads, considering the present economic situation in the country.
Eteidung Francis Morgan Udo, Village Head of Aka Offot, Uyo,who spoke for Uyo senatorial district, said the Village Heads will continue to partner with the state government to resolve any security challenge.
