Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed Chidi Awuse from his position as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Awuse, a close associate of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been succeeded by Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, the traditional ruler of Apara Kingdom.
Governor Fubara cited Awuse’s removal as a consequence of his ineffective leadership and inactivity within the council.
The announcement was made during a special meeting with members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Government House Banquet Hall in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Eze Wodo, the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, will take over the chairmanship.
Governor Fubara criticized Awuse for excluding the photographs of both the Governor and the Deputy Governor in the council’s 2024 calendar, describing it as a deliberate insult to the state government.
This exclusion, among other issues, was seen as a sign of the council’s failure to meet expectations under Awuse’s leadership.
“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. I think that is the best way to describe it,” Fubara stated.
The Governor emphasized the importance of having a proactive and collaborative council, especially in such a critical period for his administration. He noted that traditional rulers play a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony among the people, and the lack of coordination under Awuse’s leadership had been detrimental.
Fubara expressed confidence in Eze Wodo’s ability to provide effective leadership, highlighting his integrity, mature character, and fatherly personality.
“Going forward, there is need to have a leadership that will accommodate everybody and move this council forward. Let me, before saying other things, announce here that the new chairman from this particular moment will be Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Ohna Apara, Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom.
He will be the chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, and I believe strongly that he is going to do better and accommodate everyone,” the Governor concluded.