By Ekemini SIMON

A new Paramount Ruler has emerged in Uyo Local Government Area in the person of His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus Okon.
Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon emerged the Paramount Ruler of Uyo today through election which was conducted by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Nsudoh Nsudoh at the Council of Chiefs Chambers, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The election witnessed other Six Traditional Rulers that make up the Traditional Rulers Council of Uyo unanimously throw their weight behind HRM Etebom Sylvanus Okon to emerge the Paramount Ruler of the area.
The Paramount Ruler elect was favoured to be nominated by the Clan Head of Oku, His Highness, Etebom Aniefiok Okpon for the position and was duly seconded.
In his address, the Supervising Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Linus Nkan noted that the exercise was in fulfilment of the provisions of the Traditional Rulers Law of Akwa Ibom State 2000.
Citing the law, the Commissioner said that where there is vacancy in the office of the Paramount Ruler, the Commissioner for local government shall invite in writings all the Clan Heads and Village Heads appointed under section 1 subsection 2 of the law to select one of the Clan Heads as a nominee for official recognition as the Paramount Ruler of the area.
He pointed out that before the exercise took place, the provisions of the law was adhered to.
Nkan revealed that why there had been delay over the emergence was that the tenure of Uyo Traditional Rulers Council had expired and was only constituted by Governor Udom Emmanuel recently.
He commended the Uyo TRC for unity and called on other Local Government Areas to emulate their gesture.
While congratulating the Paramount Ruler over his emergence, the Commissioner charged him to discharge his duties diligently, maintain peace and order and dispense justice in the area.
Nkan assured that the State Governor will be ready to accord him a certificate of recognition and later a staff of office.
In his acceptance speech, HRH, Edidem Slyvanus Okon thanked God for accepting him to lead the people. He appreciated the Traditional Rulers Council for the confidence reposed on him by giving him the mandate to lead. He promised not to disappoint.
The Paramount Ruler elect while calling for more support from the people of Uyo said that with his emergence, he was poised on dispensing justice to all manner of people.