To'abaitan elected as new Governor General for Solomon Islands

A prominent To'abaita leader has been elected yesterday as the Solomon Islands new Governor General designate.

He is Frank Ofagioro Kabui, who hails from Manakwai Village in North Malaita.

Mr Kabui was voted in Parliament after the fourth round of voting. Mr Kabui polled 30 votes ahead of Edmund Andressen who obtained eight votes and the out-going Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena with seven votes.

Three members of Parliament were absent from the voting. There was one spoilt vote.

Meanwhile, Mr Frank Ofagioro Kabui says he feels honoured for his election as the new Head of State.

Mr Kabui says his elections by Members of Parliament showed their confidence and believe in him that he will serve the country in his new post.

He assures Solomon Islanders that he will do his best in his new job.

Mr Kabui started work in the public service in 1975.

In 1980 he became the first Solomon Islander to take up the post of Attorney General of the country, a post he held for 14 years up to 1994.

Mr Kabui was appointed the first Chairman of the Law Reform Commission from 1994 to 1998.

He was appointed High Court Judge in 1998 and served in the position for eight years, until he retired at the age of 60 in 2006.

The government re-engaged him as Chairman of the Law Reform Commission in April 2006, a post he holds up to his election yesterday.

Both the Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare have called for support to the newly elected Governor General from members of Parliament and all Solomon Islanders.

Source: SIBC