Wodo Replaces Awuse As Chairman, Rivers Chiefs Council

Eze Chike Wodo, the Paramount Ruler of Apara Clan has been appointed the new Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers to replace Eze Ohna Sergeant Awuse, who had not been absent from his post for a while.
The Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, who announced the appointment, said that the sacked Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Chiefs, Ohna Sergeant Awuse, did not place his photograph and that of the deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, on the 2024 calendar of the council of chiefs.
The governor further disclosed that Awuse was inactive and rendered the council inactive because of his long absence from his post.
Governor Fubara made the announcement at a special meeting he had with members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
He said the former chairman failed to properly manage the affairs of the council and was unable to maintain a smooth relationship between the council and the state government.
He said, “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.
“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.
“I want to ask you: does it show any sign that leadership is working with this government? I hope you have a copy of it? Does it show that your chairman is working with this government?
“So, I have decided today, we have to move forward. By the special grace of God, the administrative life-span of the chairman is one year, which is renewable. So, at this particular time, I have to say that with the power vested on me, I announce that the tenure of Chief Sergeant Awuse has been terminated.”
The Governor pointed out that there was need to have a more competent and diligent traditional ruler with the presence of mind, and ability to carry everybody along, stressing that Eze Wodo most appropriately fits into that cap, with a fatherly personality, mature character, integrity and pedigree.
Governor Fubara said he would not toe the line of a former governor of the state who publicly berated a traditional ruler in the state.
He said, “I am not bothered or interested in your political affiliations, but when it comes to issues of the council, that should bring you together, your decision should and must flow in the direction of government.
“If you are doing anything outside, that is your own. But you cannot, I repeat that when it comes to the issues of the council, government has given you recognition to belong, you cannot go against the government, it’s very wrong.”
While promising to address the issue of providing the traditional rulers with official vehicles and other allowances due them, the governor urged the new chairman to commence the process of updating the record of all First Class, Second Class and Third Class traditional rulers in the State.
The new Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, said he was overwhelmed with joy for the opportunity to serve the State in such capability. He pledged that he would foster unity, devote his time and energy to the assignment given to him.
He also assured the readiness of the council to synergise with the State Government to maintain peace and harmony in the communities to fast-track the development of the State.