By Jonathan Ugbal; Government House Correspondent
The Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, Monday, conferred on Governor Ben Ayade the highest honorary chieftaincy title of Eto Nkori, which means a Tree of Progress for his efforts in developing the state.
“You are indeed the tree of progress and we want to see the branches dropping all over the local government areas and most importantly, on the traditional rulers” said the Chairman of the council, Etinyin Etim Edet who is also the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi.
Etinyin who spent time explaining to the Governor the role the Traditional rulers played in his victory at the Supreme Court said the judgement will bring out the potential in him to serve the state and its people even as he hoped this was the last distraction he suffers.
“We wish you well and hope that unnecessary distractions will not come your way again” Etinyin said, adding that; “This judgement will make you sober and humble, for this is your chance and your time.”
Some paramount rulers who spoke called on Ayade to work with the Assembly to amend the act concerning the operations of the Traditional Rulers Council to make it more effective. They asked him to step into, and resolve the issues surrounding the local government areas yet to have paramount rulers and advised him to reconcile with all.
Ayade in his remarks commended the gesture of the traditional rulers and pleaded with them to be patient with his administration as his success in office can only be truly judged “From now on”.
He promised to “Earn the trust” of the traditional rulers as a Governor and as a fellow of the council and pledged to look into their challenges. Also, he said steps will be taken to move their salaries from the local government to the state.
The event which held at the Council of Chiefs chambers was attended by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, John Lebo, Legor Idagbo, 17 paramount rulers, and a few government functionaries.
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