Strange, As First Elected Female Ikono Council Chairman Heads to Paramount Ruler’s Palace From Swearing-in Venue

Many Akwa Ibom people have described as strange, the action of the first newly elected female chairman of Ikono Local Government Area of the state, Oto-Obong Essien, who headed to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of the area from the state banquet hall immediately after she was sworn into office by Governor Umo Eno on Monday.

Speaking to Kristina Reports in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, the people said it had been a norm across the state for any elected chairman to visit the council office first after taking oath of office, but expressed concern over the sudden reversal of this norm by Ikono Council Chairman.

David Asuquo, one of the people, observed that while nothing was wrong in the actions of Mrs. Essien, it had raised questions as to whether her loyalty would lie with the traditional ruler or the entire Ikono people who elected her into office.

Mr. Asuquo feared that if his suspicion were anything to go by, Ikono people might continue to wallow in underdevelopment, as Oto-Obong Essien’s administration would bring nothing to bare in the governance of the area.

“When I heard the news on Monday, I was not comfortable at all. This can suggest that her loyalty may be for the Paramount Ruler; and not for the people who voted for her. If this is true as I suspect, Ikono may not experience any development, because she will be taking orders from the Paramount Ruler”.

Mary Obot, who however differed in her opinion on the actions of Ikono Chairman, observed that visiting a traditional ruler first before entering the council could have meant a sign of respect to the Paramount Ruler and the traditional institution in Ikono.

“I don’t think that her visit to the Paramount Ruler means that her loyalty will lie there. It’s nothing. I think it is just a way of showing respect to the royal father and the traditional institution”.

She therefore, dismissed insinuations making the rounds, adding that the visit neither offended any known law, nor public sensibilities.

However, addressing the Paramount Ruler, the Ikono Council Chairman said she was at the palace to thank the traditional leader for his support and blessings which she noted contributed to her victory at the polls last Saturday.

Mrs. Essien therefore, reiterated her commitment to an inclusive governance that would transform the area into a city, in line with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.

While responding, the royal father thanked the chairman for the honour and prayed for her success in office as the first elected female chairman of Ikono Local Government since the creation of the area.