The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a fresh turn as the paramount ruler of Emohua kingdom, His Majesty Sir Ohna Sergeant Awuse, has declared his palace off-limits to anyone not supporting the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Bellnews reports that Awuse is a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a former governorship candidate of the party.
The monarch made the declaration in a video recorded in his palace, instructing his subjects to support Wike and warning those who don’t to stay away from the palace.
Supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have condemned the monarch’s actions, labelling him a “partisan monarch” who is threatening his people because of his loyalty to Wike. They argue that the traditional institution should remain non-political and non-partisan, serving as a unifying force for all people.
Prince Charles E.O Beke, JP, leader of Fubara’s supporters in Emuoha said the declaration by the monarch is a “recipe for disaster” and a “bad development” that could create crisis in Emuoha.
Beke, in a statement, said: “With all due respect to His Majesty, this declaration is unfortunate and a clear recipe for disaster.
“All over the world, the traditional institution acts as the centripetal force which unite and bring the people together despite their perceived differences.
The institution is both non political and nonpartisan.
“The palace of the Paramount ruler is the home of all his subjects. Thus, the declaration of non supporters of Wike in Emohua as persona non grata to his palace is a bad development.”
He added:”We have utmost respect for traditional stool of Emohua kingdom and we will not denigrate that institution by smearing it with politics.
“His Majesty, Sir Ohna Sergeant Awuse DSSRS, is at liberty to descend into the political arena and take sides if he so wishes. But he cannot dictate to the people where their own loyalty should lie.
“…members of the SIMplified Movement in Emohua will neither be intimidated nor blackmailed into abandoning the righteous cause of supporting the Governor that all of us took pains to vote for just a year ago.
“That we are able to distinguish between our political loyalty and our obligations to the traditional stool of Emohua. We will never merge both nor allow anyone to use that stool to dictate our political conduct.”