Governor Nyesom Wike’s lack of decorum and respect for the Rivers traditional institution may have brought him under pressure by those who want him to apologise for what is perceived as an insult on royalty. But the man who, out of respect for northern traditional values, almost fell flat on his face when he visited the Sultan of Sokoto insists heavens will not fall if he withdraws recognition from any traditional ruler as governor of Rivers State.
Wike who spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt denied ever withdrawing Government’s recognition from the reverred stool of the Amayanabo of Kalabari.
Wike had been up in arms following the decision of the Amayanabo of Kalabari, Professor TFT Princewill to allow Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State to visit the Kalabari Kingdom without permission.
Although Wike has apparently modified his position in the face virulent attacks that are coming from Ijaws and lovers of the traditional institution, he has however refused to directly apologise to the monarch.
“Anyone who runs foul of the law, I will withdraw the recognition and heaven will not fall”, Wike declared.
‘I never said that I will dethrone the Amanyanabo of Kalabari”, the governor explained, “I said that I will withdraw the recognition by the Rivers State Government if he continues to disrespect the office of the Governor and not play according to the rules.”
It is not clear if the insults heaped on the Amayanabo of Kalabari has anything to do with fits of heart attack suffered by Prince Tonye Princewill, the first son of the monarch.
The prince ended up having surgery after he replied Wike who cast aspersions on the stool of the Kalabari people.
Asari Dokubo had warned Wike he would not get away with his insult of Rivers people unless he apologises to them.
Strangely, Wike has forgotten that he visited the Kalabari monarch and his people in the company of Governor Dickson when Rotimi Amaechi was Governor of Rivers State.
On that occasion Wike and his guest did not respect protocol as he now describes it when there was no move to inform the serving governor of their planned visit.
It may be that goes around comes around, but will Wike learn from this?