Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has warned traditional rulers across the state that they risk losing their certificates of recognition if they fail to maintain peace in their domains.
Otu, who was represented by his Deputy, Peter Odey, issued the warning on Monday during the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival at the Yakurr Peace Stadium, Ugep.
The governor’s warning followed the recent communal conflict between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, which reportedly led to the loss of lives.
Otu condemned the conflict as a “show of shame”, saying traditional institutions must take greater responsibility for preventing violence and ensuring peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities.
“I wish to condemn in entirety the recent inter-communal war between Ugep and Idumi communities which led to the loss of precious lives in Yakurr Local Government Area. It is a ‘show of shame’ for us as a people,” he said.
“I want to say it here that the state government would withdraw certificates of recognition from traditional rulers whose domains slide into disorder. As a government, we would not continue to recognise any camp or faction that refuses to unite around a common representative,” the governor warned.
He disclosed that the state government had considered cancelling this year’s Leboku festival following the crisis but decided against it because doing so would undermine the festival’s core purpose of promoting peace, unity and brotherhood among the Yakurr people.
“To the warring communities and other Yakurr communities which may have aligned with the combatants, I condemn this in its entirety. It was indeed a show of shame,” Otu said.
The governor urged traditional rulers to intensify their efforts to prevent conflicts and sustain peaceful relations in their communities.
“As traditional institutions, you are expected to shoulder greater responsibility [in] sustaining peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities,” he warned.
He stressed that the government would hold traditional rulers accountable for the security and peaceful coexistence of people within their domains, warning that failure to do so could attract sanctions, including withdrawal of their certificates of recognition.
