The State Legislature has passed a resolution to remove the current chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Etinyin Okon Edet, due to overstaying his tenure.
The House made the resolution following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the crisis in the State Traditional Rulers Council, sponsored by the member representing Obudu State Constituency and Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Sylvester Agabi.
Leading the debate on the matter, Agabi noted that the office of the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council is tenured for two years as clearly stated in the law.
He stressed that the Traditional Rulers Council Law of 2009, section 1, sub 4, paragraph 1, provides for a rotation of the office for a tenure of two years.
The lawmaker condemned the current situation where Etinyin Okon Edet has stayed in office for over 10 years, noting that it was to the detriment of both the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts, adding that this was repugnant to natural justice.
In their separate contributions, members observed that the Traditional Rulers Council Law did not provide for the renewal of the two-year tenure.
The lawmakers further recalled that HRH Oti J.D. Agba from the Northern Senatorial District had occupied the office for two years before handing it over to HRH Eval Idaka from Abi in the Central Senatorial District, who died before the expiration of his two-year tenure.
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They observed that, though Etinyin Okon Edet has done marvelously well, his continuous stay in office is unacceptable, adding that he should vacate the office for another person from another Senatorial District.
The lawmakers also condemned the manner in which Etinyin Okon Edet infringed on the office of the Special Adviser to Governor Otu on Chieftaincy Matters.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, observed that the laws of the state must be respected, adding that the House will uphold the rotation of the office of the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council as stipulated by the law.
He stressed the need for the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to declare the seat vacant and appoint a new chairman from a different Senatorial District in the interest of peace and justice.
