Widespread dissatisfaction is trailing what many in Rivers State see as the growing disrespect being meted to their chiefs by the Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike.
Wike a few days ago had the audacity to stand Rivers chiefs up, ostensibly as a result of his quest to ensure that traditional rulers henceforth attend meetings with their staff of office.
On the traditional media as well as the social media, Rivers people are expressing serious indignation.
Dakuku Peterside, Director General of NIMASA described Wike’s comments as “demeaning, unbecoming, irresponsible and unbefitting.”
Prominent son of Rivers State, Peterside expressed regret that Governor Wike chose the occasion of the 4th Quarterly Meeting in Port Harcourt to continue his harassment and intimidation of traditional rulers.
He wondered how a governor who ought to hold the traditional institution in high esteem could afford to describe one of them as a trouble maker.
Peterside said the Rivers people cannot believee that they facing a time in history when a governor would “insult, disgrace, humiliate and depose traditional rulers at will.”
“Wike’s penchant for embarrassing traditional rulers is becoming irresponsible and shameful. Never in our history have we had such a disrespectful governor.
“Since 2015, Wike has sacked, deposed and withdrawn recognition from several royal fathers without any recourse to history, tradition and culture.
“Not too long ago, Wike threatened to depose the Amanyanabo of Kalabari, King Theophilus Princewill, just as he has severally lambasted traditional rulers as if they were his servants.
“Wike must be called to order. Well meaning Rivers people must call him to order. He is turning himself into a feudal lord and an emperor at the same time. History is replete with his likes who ended up badly after turning themselves to tiny gods,” he stated.
Peterside appealed to the traditional rulers to overlook the “shame and disrespect” meted on them, pointing out that as fathers, they should regard the governor’s utterances as that of a “child who lacks home training.”
“Wike should know that history is watching. Rivers people typically respect traditional rulers and traditional institutions. The governor must stop desecrating our traditional rulers and traditional institutions,” he added