Governor Fubara has sacked Wike’s strongman in Rivers State amid the political crisis.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has appointed Chike Worlu Wodo, the traditional ruler of the Apara kingdom, as the new chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers’ Council.
The announcement was made during a meeting with council members at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Friday.
Fubara stated that he had relieved Chidi Awuse, the traditional ruler of Emohua kingdom, of his chairmanship role due to what he described as a lack of cooperation and a perceived insult to the state government from the Awuse-led council.
ALSO: Tinubu Orders Auditor General To Probe N2.7tn NNPC Subsidy Debt
“I want the council to fulfill its responsibilities. From my assessment, the council has been largely inactive, possibly due to the chairman’s lack of responsibility,” Governor Fubara remarked.
He pointed out an incident where the council produced a 2024 calendar that omitted the Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s pictures, questioning whether this demonstrated cooperation with his administration.
“Therefore, I have decided that we must move forward. By the authority vested in me, I hereby announce the termination of Chief Sergeant Awuse’s tenure,” Fubara declared.
He then appointed Eze Chike Worlu Wodo as the new chairman, emphasizing Wodo’s role in maintaining unity among traditional rulers in the state.
Chidi Awuse, previously allied with former Governor Nyesom Wike, had conferred chieftaincy titles on both Wike and Fubara in June 2023. The strained relations between Wike and Fubara have contributed to ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
