Shun Partisan Politics, Wike Advises Traditional Rulers.

Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has advised traditional rulers in the state to avoid playing partisan politics,  saying that it is not in the interest of the traditional institution for them to be politicians. 

The governor also directed the traditional rulers to promote security in their respective localities.  He said that traditional rulers with preponderance of insecurity in their area will lose their recognition. 

He said : “ I will not advise traditional rulers in the state to be politicians.  It is not in your interest. I want to tell you that things that were not done right will be rectified".

He regretted that during the electioneering campaigns,  some traditional rulers became partisan to the extent of being involved in daily campaigns for a political party. 

Governor Wike decried the situation where some traditional rulers due to political consideration refused to attend a meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan,  who is a son of the Niger Delta. 

"When traditional rulers come out openly to be campaign managers, printing campaign leaflets for politicians,  it reduces their traditional stool.

"Traditional rulers should not discriminate against political parties.  They are expected to receive every politician and bless them," he said. 

The governor lamented the balkanization of the traditional stools in the state, saying that the administration will address the illegal actions of the former administration. 

He said: "Just imagine a situation where a traditional ruler takes up advertorial in the newspapers to promote a political interest.  This is wrong."

Speaking further,  Governor Wike said : " All traditional rulers must work on security in their communities.  Without security,  it will be difficult for us to concentrate on governance and development. 

 "All traditional rulers should cooperate with the government to promote security in all communities.".

Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers,  HRH Godwin Giniwa assured the governor of the cooperation of the traditional rulers in the promotion of security and the development of the state. 

He apologised on behalf of the traditional rulers over the political actions of some of the paramount rulers.

The meeting between the traditional rulers and the governor attracted traditional rulers from all local governments of the state.