By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Open Forum for Humanity Organization, a civil advocacy group, has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to enact legislation prohibiting traditional rulers from participating in partisan political activities.
Speaking at a news conference in Uyo, the group’s founder and convener, Matthew Okono, said the proposed law would help preserve the dignity and neutrality of the traditional institution.
Okono alleged that some traditional rulers in the state had openly attended political rallies, stakeholder meetings and other partisan events in support of political parties and candidates. He argued that such conduct is inconsistent with provisions of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Edict No. 15 of 1990 and the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap. 134, Vol. 6 of the Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000.
The group also called for reforms to the recognition of gazetted clans and villages, saying the current arrangement requires review to address perceived inconsistencies in some local government areas.
In addition, the organisation urged the state government to adopt a policy requiring traditional rulers, particularly paramount rulers and clan heads, to be officially addressed by their indigenous traditional titles rather than the generic title of “Paramount Ruler.”Okono said the group was willing to partner with traditional rulers and the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to pursue amendments to the state’s traditional rulers law aimed at strengthening the institution.
