Wike withdraws traditional ruler’s certificate of recognition

By Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has approved the withdrawal of the certificate of recognition from a monarch, Chief Monday Frank Noryaa, Gbenemene Baabe, making good his threat to dethrone any traditional ruler linked to cultism in the state.

The withdrawal of the certificate of recognition takes immediate effect. The action of the state government followed the traditional ruler’s indictment for cult -related activities within his kingdom. He was also indicted for harbouring cultists, leading to the state of insecurity in his domain.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Simeon Nwakaudu, the governor’s special aide on electronic media, reiterated that Wike’s administration remains committed to the promotion of peace and security across the state, stating that any traditional ruler or government functionary indicted for promoting insecurity would face the full weight of the law.

Early this month, the governor said that communities with prevalence of insecurity, cultism and kidnapping would no longer enjoy patronage from the state government

The state governor had made the declaration while addressing a special security meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt on May 6.

Gov. Wike had also threatened to dethrone traditional rulers in communities where cultism and kidnapping were encouraged. 

He had also promised that “all those local government areas where there is no serious cases of cultism and kidnapping, the state government will give them more projects and attention.”