The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the replacement of the Chairman of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, High Royal Majesty, Eze Sergeant Awuse, with Eze Ohna Apara, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo.
Governor Fubara made this announcement during a Special Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday.
This decision appears to be linked to ongoing political tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Just days before leaving office, Wike had replaced the then-Chairman of the Council, His Royal Majesty, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, the Amanyanabo of Opobo, with Chief Sergeant Awuse.
Legislative Intervention
In response to the political crisis, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, enacted a law preventing the State Governor from interfering with the leadership of the traditional council.
Governor’s Remarks
Governor Fubara, addressing the meeting, highlighted Awuse’s absence from council activities, attributing it to his alleged involvement in the ongoing crisis in the state.
He emphasized that the position of Chairman could not remain vacant.
“It is like your chairman has run away. Maybe when your chairman is ready, he will write to me. If he gets the approval, he can then come for the meeting,” Fubara stated.
He described Awuse as an unstable figure, accusing him of inconsistency in his stance during the political upheaval.
“He is not a stable man, he is not a stable character. He cannot say something in the morning and say another thing in the evening,” the governor remarked.
Addressing the Crisis
Governor Fubara expressed hope for a resolution to the crisis, urging patience among the traditional rulers.
“You have to bear with him until God helps us remove this problem you are having. By the grace of God, it will be resolved soon,” he assured.
