The Patriarch of the Ibibio Nation, His Eminence, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, of Akwa Ibom State, in the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, opined that while citizens have the right to hold leaders accountable, such criticism must be rooted in respect, objectivity, and a genuine desire for progress, rather than descending into personal attacks or divisive rhetoric.
The royal father, who also serves as President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, highlighted this when the International Executive Committee of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative paid him homage on Tuesday.
OkuIbom, who delivered a far-reaching message on governance, unity, and civic responsibilities, emphasised the critical role of constructive criticism in strengthening governance.
He cautioned that unguarded and inflammatory comments weaken institutions and undermine collective development, urging the public to focus on issues, policies, and outcomes that can drive meaningful change.
In a strong show of alignment, the Oku Ibom Ibibio further declared that traditional institutions across the state, including village heads, clan heads, and paramount rulers, are united in their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
He described this collective stance as a reflection of confidence in leadership and a commitment to continuity, stability, and development.
The royal father also offered prayers for the success of the initiative and for sustained peace and prosperity in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large, invoking divine guidance for leaders at all levels.
Beyond his remarks on public discourse, he charged political office holders and government appointees to remain connected to their grassroots, urging them to empower their people and ensure that the benefits of governance are widely felt. He stressed that leadership must translate into visible impact, particularly at the community level.
The visit formed part of a traditional and symbolic engagement preceding the main event of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative at the Council Secretariat, as Nsit Ubium represents both the home of the state governor and the seat of the Ibibio patriarch.
Earlier, the President-General of the initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko had told the monarch that he led members of the delegation, including the international coordinating committee and key stakeholders, to the palace in observance of cultural protocol.
During the visit, he outlined the purpose of the initiative’s statewide tour, which has covered all 31 local governments. He reaffirmed its commitment to unity, grassroots mobilisation, and structured political engagement.
He also presented gifts to the royal father as a mark of respect and courtesy.
The Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, in his welcome remark, commended the initiative for respecting traditional authority and due process, noting that such engagement strengthens collaboration between political leadership and traditional institutions.
The organising secretary of the Initiative, Frank Archibong, told the Ibibio King that the international exco will always be frequent to his palace for blessings.
