Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced the removal of Eze Sergeant Awuse as the Chairman of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers Council.
This decision was made during a special meeting with traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Friday.
Following Awuse’s removal, Governor Fubara appointed Eze Chike Wodo as the new chairman of the council, emphasizing the need to fill the vacant position promptly.
During the meeting, Governor Fubara criticized Awuse’s leadership, accusing him of ineffective management and alleging his involvement in the state’s ongoing crisis.
Fubara described Awuse as unreliable and accused him of exhibiting inconsistent behavior since the onset of the political turmoil in the state.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Governor Fubara stated, “It appears your chairman has absconded. If he decides to return and seeks approval, then he may attend future meetings. However, his track record of instability and wavering positions has been noted.”
“He cannot maintain a consistent stance, often changing his position from morning to evening,” Fubara added.
“Due to this instability, he has chosen to withdraw. Please bear with this situation until we resolve the ongoing challenges.”
Notably, Eze Sergeant Awuse assumed the chairmanship following the removal of King Dandeson Douglas Jaja by former Governor Nyesom Wike.
However, amidst the state’s political upheaval, the State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, enacted legislation prohibiting Governor Fubara from interfering with the traditional council’s leadership.
Governor Fubara’s decision marks a significant development in Rivers State’s political landscape, underscoring ongoing tensions and the dynamics within the traditional rulers’ council amidst broader state governance issues.