Traditional rulers across the northern senatorial district of Cross River State have expressed appreciation after High Chief Higgins Peters fulfilled his pledge to support the regionโs traditional institution with enhanced monthly stipends.
Peters, who made the promise on September 6 during the Bekwarra New Yam Festival where he was also honoured with a chieftaincy title, had committed to augmenting the monthly earnings of the traditional class. Under the arrangement, paramount rulers are to receive an additional โฆ20,000 monthly, while clan heads across the five local government areas will receive โฆ10,000 each for life.
Keeping to his word, Peters on November 22 paid three months of the allowance upfrontโcovering November, December and Januaryโto more than 120 clan heads and five paramount rulers. The gesture has been widely described as unprecedented.
One of the paramount rulers, who spoke after receiving the payment, said he had spent over two decades on the throne but had never witnessed such direct and consistent support from any individual or political figure.
โFor more than 20 years as a traditional ruler, no one has extended this kind of support to us,โ he said. โIt is a clear sign of respect for the traditional institution.โ
Traditional councils across the district said the intervention would boost morale and help revitalise cultural leadership at a time many communities are grappling with economic hardship.
Community stakeholders praised Petersโ fulfilment of his pledge, describing it as a demonstration of integrity and commitment to grassroots development. They noted that the businessman and political figure has steadily earned influence in Cross River North through what they called his โpromise-made, promise-keptโ approach.
Peters, who is popularly addressed by several traditional titles including Emoma, Akpa Owo of Yala and Uni Ukpere of Bekwarra is increasingly being recognised as a major figure in the socio-political landscape of the northern district.
The latest gesture, many say, has further cemented his standing among traditional rulers and community leaders across the region.
