Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reappointed the Paramount Ruler of Emohua Kingdom, His Majesty, Eze (Sir) Sergeant Chidi Awuse, as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The reappointment was announced in a statement signed on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo S. A. Wokoma.
According to the announcement, Fubara approved Awuse’s appointment as chairman of the council with immediate effect.
The reappointment comes two days after Fubara met with traditional rulers at the combined 126th, 127th and 128th quarterly meetings of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, October 28.
At the meeting, the governor urged traditional rulers to maintain political neutrality as activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He cautioned them against actions capable of generating divisions and crises in their respective communities, while urging them to promote fairness, justice, peace and stability across the state.
Awuse’s Removal In 2024
Awuse, who holds the traditional title of Nne-Nwe-Eli, Emohua XIII (Olo IV), first became chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers on May 27, 2023.
However, his tenure was terminated on June 21, 2024, when Fubara appointed Eze Chike Worlu-Wodo, the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, as his replacement.
The removal occurred during the prolonged political dispute between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Awuse was widely regarded as an ally of Wike.
At the time, Fubara faulted the council’s leadership, accusing it of failing to provide effective direction and maintain cordial relationships among traditional rulers and with the state government.
The governor also expressed displeasure over the council’s 2024 calendar, which did not feature photographs of him and his deputy, describing the omission as an affront to his administration.
