Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has warned Chief Appolus Chu to stop speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers as he is not a Government Recognised Traditional Ruler.
Governor Wike also warned Chief Appolus Chu to stop parading himself as the One-eh, Eta Ogale in Eleme Local Government Area.
Speaking during a meeting with the Traditional Rulers of Eleme Local Government Area on Wednesday at the Government House Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said a government recognised Traditional Ruler cannot be deposed without the involvement of the State Government.
“It is illegal to remove a Traditional Ruler recognised by the State Government. Government must be in the know before a Government recognised Traditional Ruler is removed.
“The Official Gazette Number 8, 26th May, 2015 , Volume 51, Traditional Rulers recognised by Government. One-Eh Ogale is HRH Godwin Bebee Okpabi.
“Bebee did not support me, but I am doing this because of the law. Therefore, you cannot on your own remove a Government Recognised Traditional Ruler . Let’s not do what will cause crisis in Eleme Local Government Area “, he said.
Governor Wike informed the meeting that he has asked the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers to formally protest to the National Council of Traditional Rulers on the issue.
He stated that if any community wants to depose a Government Recognised Traditional Ruler, it must follow the laid down procedures.
“If the people of Ogale no longer want this man as a Chief, they should take the right steps as provided by the law”, he said.
On the construction of the Eleme-Oyigbo Road, Governor Wike called on the chairman and Traditional Rulers of the area to ensure that the youths cooperate with the contractor to deliver the project without hindrance.
He also charged Traditional Rulers to ensure that the promote security in the Kingdoms to avoid sanction.
In a remark, Chief Appolus Chu described himself as a peaceful man, saying that he will comply with the directive of the Rivers State Governor
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja urged Chief Appolus Chu to tow the right path. He said Government will recognise Chief Appolus Chu when it gets to his turn.
The Acting King of Eleme, King Philip Odele said that the people will get things right at the end of the day.
Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Philip Okparaji thanked the Rivers State Governor for intervening in the issue for the good of Eleme people.
Service Commanders in the state attended the meeting alongside top officials of the Rivers State Government.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
19th June, 2019.
