The Kogi State Government has approved the appointment of 18 traditional rulers to fill vacant stools across the state.

The approval was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Eniola Enimola, on behalf of the Commissioner.

According to the statement, the appointments followed due process and were made to replace traditional rulers who had passed away.

The government said the new appointees were selected based on their perceived qualities of tact, integrity, maturity and patriotism, which it said were necessary for the effective discharge of their traditional responsibilities.

Among those appointed as Second Class Chiefs are Mallam Haliru Aminu Akwu, who becomes Etsu Elaite, and retired Major General Erema Akerejola, appointed Ubuoro of Ogori land.

Others in the category include Idris Ali Yusuf, Onu Itama; Usman Akowe Omonu, Onu Ayah; Joseph Abdul Abuh, Odu Ogidiga of Emodu; Abdul Opaluwa; Omachi Iyogbo; Ali Abba; Abagbo-Inna Akpanya; and Umoru Zakari, Odoma Ata Igala.

Also appointed are Umoru Usman Atabo Ijomi, Ekpa Ata Igala, and Yusuf Momoh Adama, Anaja of Gbobe.

The government further announced the appointment of Alikali Suleiman as a Third Class Chief, alongside Taru Onyionwa, Idu Eyire Clan; Salami Abdulrasaq, Olu-Ere, Ife-Olukotun; Zakari Alhassan, Ondaki of Ohikwo; Isiaka Ukele Ogohi Acharu; and Abuh Adukwu, Owo Onu-Ife.

Other Third Class appointments include Alhaji Gida, Ohinoyi of Kekere; Sule Yabubu, Ohinoyi of Edekakpo; and Nigeria Okpanachi, Egena Eje of Olamaboro.

The statement said the appointments take immediate effect. (Nigerian Tribune)