By Godwin Ajom
The Cross State House of Assembly, has approved the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Ovai Solomon Osim Edward, the Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, as the new Chairman, State Traditional Rulers Council.
The House confirmed the Royal father’s new role, during plenary following deliberation on a correspondence forwarded to it by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Eno, on behalf of the State Governor Bassey Otu.
The lawmakers, who interacted with the Paramount Ruler, observed that the nominee was qualified for the position and expressed confidence that Ovai Edward will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his duty as Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council.
In separate remarks during plenary, the lawmakers eulogized the Abi Paramount Ruler describing him as an “arbiter of peace”, “a man of his words”, “a man of integrity”, “a Godly man”, as well as “a man with pedigree”.
They commended Governor Otu for the choice of the nominee for Paramount Rulership. On his part, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem congratulated the Paramount Ruler on the appointment before calling for a motion towards the confirmation.
Earlier, the member representing Abi State Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta who opened debate on the confirmation, maintained that Ovai Edward had been able to unify most of the warring communities in Abi Local Government Area and brought peace in the LGA. He expressed confidence that his tenure will usher-in peace, unity and progress in the State.
Recall that the State Governor recently declared the position vacant following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Chairman Etinyin Ekpo Okon Edet, who had successfully completed his tenure.