The Akwa Ibom government says it would deal decisively with traditional rulers who engage in activities that could breach the peace in their domain.

Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo gave the warning in Uyo at a meeting with traditional rulers from Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas.

Mr Ekpo expressed displeasure over repeated crises in the two local government areas over boundary, warning that any attempt to breach peace would not be tolerated.

“Do not take the laws into your hands or run to the press to escalate the crisis,” he said.’

According to him, such infraction will henceforth attract withdrawal of the certificate of recognition from any traditional ruler found wanting.

He reminded them that in line with the extant laws, only paramount rulers were authorised to place a traditional injunction over land matters.

“An offended party must always exhaust the established procedure of making official reports to the local government chairmen and the paramount rulers,” he explained.

On the matter of trespass between Iwofe village in Eastern Obolo and Okopedi in Ikot Abasi, Mr Ekpo directed the two paramount rulers in the areas to take appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

Responding, Ubon Etetor, the paramount ruler of Eastern Obolo, urged the state government to organise a seminar that would give proper orientation to the village heads on decision making and community administration.

On his part, Udo Ntukobom, the paramount ruler of Ikot Abasi, thanked the deputy governor for his interventions aimed at ensuring that peace reigned in the area.

(NAN)