September 27, (THEWILL) – The Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Chief Akin Ricketts, has assured Obioko people that he will transparently serve them as Village Head.
Chief Ricketts, a former Commissioner for Information in Cross River State disclosed this during his formal recognition and outing as Village Head of Obioko Village in Yakurr LGA of the state.
The new village head of Obioko, who is also a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, reeled out a seven-point programme of action as Village Head and assured the Obioko people that his choice as village head is not misplaced.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Ricketts pledged “to properly custody the important property of the village which symbolises the authority of the village head.
“Preside over the executive, emergencies and general meetings, to discuss and arrive at collective resolutions with Heads of the various lineages custody lands belonging to each lineage for residential and farming purposes;
“Ensure that the lineages, amicably share these lands to their members as the need shall arise; by employing egalitarian principles for sharing the fruits of groups endeavours and giving each man or woman his or her due in law;
“Amicably settle dispute among members and punish offenders with appropriate sanctions, such as fines as shall be collectively agreed upon by our standing rules, without fear or favour as a way of enforcing discipline among members.
“As much as possible, endeavour to attend important meetings with other village heads on representative basis, and be in touch with activities and functions at the UmorOtutu Palace and other functions that are incidental to my office through agreed and effective delegations.
“Above all, I vow to transparently serve you. The above shall be the skeleton framework on which we shall predicate our functions for ultimate results”, Chief Ricketts said.
Chief Ricketts, who was accompanied by his wife, also expressed gratitude to God, the perfect master of all creation for his numerous blessings, thus making the day’s manifestation possible, as well as his family.
He also expressed his evergreen and lasting tributes to Great Opugba descendants, as well as a number of his forebears.
These include late warrant Chief Ofem Ntum (Ijiman), who with his colleagues, late warrant Chief Okoi Mkpani (Ikpakapit) and late warrant Chief Okoi Obimbang (Biko Biko), sat at the earliest Native Courts at Ediba and later at Ugep, with representatives of the British colonial administration.
Others are late Chief N U Ofem, MBE, OON, a reputable member of the Ugep Ruling House, a member of the British empire, a participant at the 1957-1959 London Conferences that negotiated Nigeria’s Independence in 1960.
He said late Chief Ofem, MBE, OON, laid the part for his Political foundation and interest in Community service, as well as a number of his forebears.
He equally thanked Obol Ekambe Arikpo (Obioko Clan), Obol Ottoh Ottoh Arikpo (Keyeli Clan), all other Clan Heads present, all village Heads, all lineages Heads and Heads of all other Political units in Ugep, for doing their best to hold the fort in their various areas of jurisdiction.
While formally accepting his new responsibility, he said he does so with total humility and a high sense of responsibility to the glory of God and service to humanity which “have been and will continue to remain part of my life’s philosophy and principles.”
As part of the outing ceremony, a delegation, led by Elder HH Obol Francis Solomon Utum, accompanied Chief Ricketts to his destination in line with the tradition of his people.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
