Fubara Replaces Sergeant Awuse as Rivers Traditional Council Chairman

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has replaced the Chairman of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, High Royal Majesty Eze Sergeant Awuse. Eze Ohna Apara, His Royal Majesty Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, has been appointed as the new chairman.

Governor Fubara made the 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 move is seen as part of the ongoing political tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

It is noteworthy that in the final days of his tenure, Wike had replaced the then Chairman of the Council, His Royal Majesty King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, the Amanyanabo of Opobo, with Chief Sergeant Awuse. The recent political crisis prompted the State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, to enact a law preventing the State Governor from interfering with the council’s leadership.

Governor Fubara, addressing the council, indicated that Awuse had been inactive due to his alleged involvement in the state’s political issues, rendering the position vacant. Fubara criticized Awuse for his inconsistent behavior amidst the crisis, describing him as unstable.

Fubara stated, “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. But you already know his position. 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. Because of that, he decided to hide his head. 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.”