…Says former chairman failed to give leadership to the Council
…Tasks Royal Fathers on peace in their domain
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has relieved His Majesty, Eze Ohna Sergeant Awuse, Nyeweli Emohua of his position as Chairman, Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and announced the appointment of His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Ohna Apara as the new Chairman of the Council.
Governor Fubara who made the announcement during a crucial meeting with Government Recognized Traditional Rulers at Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt said the former Chairman of the Council was changed on the expiration of his one year in office, and as he failed to deliver on his leadership responsibilities, which negatively affected the contributions and functions of the Council to the development of the state.
The governor emphasised that the previous leadership of the Council deliberately dishonoured the office of the Governor and the deputy by producing an annual calendar of the Council for the year, 2024, without his portrait and that of his deputy a sign that the Chairman of the Council is working against his government.
” Let me say that since I assumed the position of Governor of our dear state, I have not had any meeting with the Royal Fathers, I thought it wise to have a special time and interface with you. Our meeting is very simple, I want the council to live up to its responsibilities. From my observation, the Council for a while has been very inactive, may be because the chairman has decided not to live up to his responsibility as chairman.”
“So, I have decided today that we have to move forward. By the special grace of God the administrative life span of the Chairman is one year which is renewable. So, at this particular time, I have to say that with the powers vested on me the tenure of Eze Ohna Sergeant Awuse is hereby terminated.”
He noted that there is a need to have a leadership that will accommodate everybody and move the council forward to perform its statutory responsibilities in fostering peace in the communities.
Governor Fubara reassured the commitment of his administration to work with the Traditional Rulers to ensure peace and security in the state and charged the new Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council to unite the council and work in the interest and direction of government, adding that necessary support will be given to the council to succeed.
He said his Government will immediately release their allowances and make provision of official vehicles for the recognized Traditional Rulers and urged members of the Council to give the new leadership their support.
“Traditional Rulers are the closest to our local communities, we must work with them, and our government is one that gives serious priority to the people. I want you to maintain peace in your respective domains.”
In his remark, the new Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Ohna Apara, said he was overwhelmed with joy over the appointment to serve the state in the capacity of Chairman, Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, and called for the support of other Traditional Rulers to work for the peace of their various domains and the state at large.
