Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The member representing Ikwo South state constituency, Moses Odunwa, has been elected as the speaker of the 7th Ebonyi House of Assembly.
Mr Odunwa is a two-term lawmaker.
He was nominated by the member representing Edda West state constituency, Nkemka Okoro Onuma and seconded by Abiri Godwin Abiri representing Izzi West constituency.
There were no other nominations when the Clerk called for further nomination for the position of Speaker.
Odunwa was consequently sworn-in by the Clerk and decorated by the Sergeant at Arm.
Also, Chinedu Onah representing Ohaukwu South state constituency was elected the deputy Speaker.
Ogba Celestine representing Onicha East state constituency nominated Mr Onah and was seconded by Friday Ogbuewu representing Ezza South state constituency.
Immediate Deputy Speaker of the 6th Assembly, Kingsley Ikoro (Afikpo West) was elected unanimously as Leader of the House while Joseph Ununu (Abakaliki South) was elected Deputy Leader.
Mr Nkemka Okoro Onuma (Edda West) was elected as the Chief Whip of the House while Arinze Lucas (Ishielu South ) was elected as Deputy Chief Whip.
Earlier, the State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who was the Speaker of 5th and 6th Assembly proclaimed the 7th Assembly, before the election of the principal officers commenced.
Mr Onah in his acceptance speech thanked the Governor and his predecessor, David Umahi, for their roles in his emergence.
He promised to carry all members along irrespective of political party while pledging the support and cooperation of the house for the programmes and policies of the state government.
