The Taraba Government on Friday announced Alhaji Suleiman Sambo as the Kpanti Zing-elect to succeed late Alhaji Abass Sambo who died in the 2015 Hajj stampede in Mecca.

Alhaji Bello Yero, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, disclosed this at a news conference in Jalingo.

Yero said the confirmation followed Sambo’s election by the 22 king makers of the Zing kingdom.

He disclosed that Sambo polled 22 votes to defeat four other candidates who got no votes each.

He added that “five persons; Alhaji Muhammed Tumba, Alhaji Abdu Kombranko, Malam Dahiru Kombranko, Alhaji Abubakar Kombranko and Alhaji Suleiman Sambo contested for the post.

“Sambo polled the available 22 votes to defeat four other candidates who got zero votes each.’’

The permanent secretary said the final pronouncement and coronation would soon be done by Gov Darius Ishaku after due consultation with the Taraba Traditional Council.

He urged the people of Zing to remain law abiding and cooperate with the new chief to enhance development in the area