Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has removed Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse from his position as the chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council.
The Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, has been appointed as the new chairman.
The governor announced the decision at a special meeting with members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Fubara cited inactivity and lack of effective leadership under Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse as the reasons for the change.
Fubara explained that Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, a close ally of the FCT Minister Chief Nyesom Wike, had failed to promote a good relationship among the council members and the State Government. He specifically pointed out that the council’s 2024 calendar did not include photographs of the Governor and Deputy Governor, which he considered a significant insult.
“I want the council to live up to its responsibility. From my observation, the council is moribund. So, I can feel that the council, for a while now, has been very inactive. Inactive because, maybe, the chairman has decided not to be responsible as a chairman,” Governor Fubara said.
He continued, “I would like to draw your attention to a special insult that was meted to this government. The council produced a calendar for the year of our Lord 2024, and the Governor’s picture, and the Deputy Governor’s picture are not in the calendar. Does it show any sign that, that leadership is working with this government?”
The governor emphasized the need for competent and diligent leadership, especially during critical times. He praised Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, describing him as having a “fatherly personality, mature character, integrity, and pedigree.” He believes that Eze Wodo is well-suited to bring unity and effective leadership to the council.
“So, going forward, there is need to have a leadership that will accommodate everybody and move this council forward,” Fubara concluded.
