2023: Rivers LG boss warns traditional rulers against partisan politics
Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
Traditional Rulers have been been warned against partisan politics and acts capable of constituting a breach of the peace in local communities.
Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Barr Erastus Awortu gave the warning recently at Ngo, the council’s headquarters during an expanded meeting with the Traditional Rulers Council and selected Chiefs of the area.
He noted that the warning has become necessary as the yuletide season and the 2023 general elections draw near.
He urged traditional leaders to steer clear of partisan politics, but rather take up advisory roles by encouraging politicians to play by the rules of their chosen political parties and laws of the country.
“You must not put personal interest above the collective interest of your people, you must maintain peace in your Communities, failure to do so implies that such a leader is unfit to occupy such an exalted position.
“However, in situation where peace is threatened beyond your control, do not hesitate to give out timely information to the Police, seek redress in any Court of competent jurisdiction, seek imputs of the Traditional Rulers Council or confined in the LGA Council Chairman on the issue of concern.
“My administration will not tolerate any form of jungle justice or situation where some traditional leaders indulge in the inciting youths against themselves in order to demonstrate their supremacy.
“Always remember that you have a primary duty, which is to maintain peace in the Communities, your madate as traditional leaders goes beyond partisanship,” the Chairman said.