The Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, has tasked the Traditional Rulers’ Council (TRC) of Akamkpa to maintain peace, dispense justice in civil matters, and channel criminal cases to the appropriate authorities. He made this call during an interface with the TRC, emphasising the importance of exemplary leadership and reaffirming his zero-tolerance stance on crime.
Hon. Akposi commended the traditional institution under the leadership of the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, for their efforts in maintaining harmony in Akamkpa. “You have been instrumental in ensuring peace and stability in our communities. I urge you to continue to lead by example and set the tone for a united Akamkpa,” he stated.
The chairman also lauded the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. (Chief) Frank Edet, for his decisive intervention in resolving the imbroglio in Iko Esai. Hon. Akposi praised the synergy between the executive arm of the council and the traditional institution, describing it as a vital partnership for the progress of Akamkpa.
Hon. Akposi, in his address, thanked God for his election and the people of Akamkpa for their support. He called for an end to disharmony, urging everyone to set aside differences and work together for a peaceful and progressive community. “We are all brothers and must embrace peace to live as one,” he emphasised.
He particularly charged the youth to show respect to elders, follow established procedures, and desist from taking the law into their hands. “The future of Akamkpa lies in the hands of our youth. Let us build bridges, not walls,” he said.
Hon. Akposi warned the warring factions in Iko Esai to remember their shared heritage, stating, “We all come from the same ancestral stalk. Let us treat one another with respect and dignity.” He reiterated his commitment to a peaceful resolution of conflicts and urged all parties to embrace reconciliation.
Dr. Edet, while addressing the gathering, welcomed the chairman and likened his emergence to divine providence. He commended the chairman’s commitment to fostering peace and urged the traditional rulers to replicate the synergy in their respective communities. “We must ensure that our communities are governed with respect, decorum, and adherence to established procedures,” he added.
Addressing the crisis in Iko Esai, Dr. Edet stressed the need for fairness and dialogue. “I am here on a fact-finding mission, not to make decisions. We must listen to all sides with respect and ensure that our actions follow due process. Dethroning a village head without proper procedures sets a dangerous precedent,” he warned, cautioning against actions that encourage anarchy.
The Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, expressed delight at the chairman’s presence at the TRC meeting, describing it as a rare privilege. He pledged the council’s continued cooperation with the local government to promote unity and development across Akamkpa.
ACP Grace Obi, Area Commander of Akamkpa, lent her voice to the call for peace, expressing disappointment at the tantrums and vindictiveness displayed by the warring parties. She urged everyone to prioritise dialogue and mutual respect as the only way to ensure lasting harmony in the area.
The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with commitments from all parties to work towards unity and peace in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
