Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has appointed HRM Oval Solomon Osim Edward, the paramount ruler of Abi LGA, as the new Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs.
His appointment, effective from Friday, June 21, 2024, will last for two years.
This decision follows a resolution by the State House of Assembly over a week ago, which called on the governor to dismiss HRM Dr. Etim Okon Edet, the paramount ruler of Bakassi.
Edet had allegedly defied state laws by remaining in office for over ten years instead of the stipulated two-year term.
Edet faced accusations of high-handedness and allegedly assaulting a special adviser to the governor, making him unfit for collaboration.
In his defense, Edet stated that his extended tenure was at the request of former governors Liyel Imoke and Prof Ben Ayade.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement signed by Prof Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, who explained that the governor exercised his authority under Section 3 of the Council of Chiefs Law Cap CIS Laws of CRS 2004.
“The appointment of HRM Edward is for a term of two years, effective from June 21, 2024,” the statement read.