Group seeks peaceful transition of Ntisong Ibibio IV

Emmanuel Effiong, Uyo

Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio has called for a peaceful transition of Ntisong Ibibio IV which cuts across the 18 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, where Ibibio ethnic nationality reside.

The chairman, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, Mkpisong (Dr) Cyril Ekiko, said the group which was formed 40 years ago promotes unity, peaceful co-existence, and development of the Ibibio people, both at home and in the Diaspora.

“I am sure you are all aware of the roles Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio has been playing since the creation of Akwa Ibom State. We have chapters across 18 Ibibio Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.

“We thank the leader of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio USA, INC. Mkpisong Eyobong Usanga and all our members for their unflinching support to our organization, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Our organization will continue to work in support of the government of the day, and the traditional institution of Akwa Ibom State headed by the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, including other stakeholders in the state.

“Today’s inaugural meeting was meant for us to also address members of the fourth estate of the realm on our progress so far,” the chairman said.

According to him, the group is sad over recent happening of Sunday, 2nd August 2021, in which it lost its dear mother, sister, and committed member of the organization, the wife of Ntisong Ibibio III, Atai Grace Essien Ekidem and urged for a minute’s silence to honour her.

He added: “That aside, gentlemen of the press, the mandate reposed on me and my committee members by the highest decision-making body of this organization (the Mkpisong Council) is to see to the successful transition of leadership from the position of Ntisong Ibibio III to that of Ntisong Ibibio IV within three months.

“As you can see there is progress in the leadership of our organization through that of Ntisong Ibibio I, II, III, and probably the fourth which we are expecting.

“We will deliver this mandate on the altar of truth, fair play, balance, and equity in ensuring that the 18 local government areas of Ibibio land, across the ten federal constituencies and three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State in our organization have a sense of belonging in the organization.

“We had our first patriarch and leader of the organization in the person of Ntisong (Barr.) Vincent Uwemedimo of blessed memory, from Eket Federal Constituency via Eket Senatorial District and Ntisong Ibibio the second, Obong Sabastine Umoren of blessed memory, from Uyo federal constituency, via Uyo Senatorial District whom Ntisong Essien Ekidem took over.

“As a leader who believes in God for fairness and equity my committee and I will look up to the next Ntisong on the premise of justice for all.”

Ekiko noted that Mkpisong Ibibio is a non-political partisan organization for the development of its people, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, and the world at large.

He added that the organisation appreciates its leader, Obong Essien Ekidem, Ntisong Ibibio III for his selfless sacrifice and commitment towards the development of this organization during his 14 years on the throne of the leadership of our organization.

The group, however, seeks the co-operation of the press in the discharge of their legitimate duty of reporting the activities of the organization, adding that All correspondences concerning the Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio should be addressed to the management committee.