A legal practitioner, Chetam Nwala, has criticized the inclusion of Chief Sergeant Awuse, Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, in the campaign council of the Rainbow Coalition.
Nwala questioned Awuse’s involvement in partisan politics, arguing that his position as a traditional ruler and chairman of the state council places him above party politics.
In a statement, he described Awuse’s emergence as chairman of the council as part of what he called a fraudulent peace negotiation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi (Sim).
He expressed concern that Awuse, who is expected to uphold the dignity and neutrality of traditional institutions, had accepted a position in a political campaign council.
According to Nwala, traditional rulers, civil servants and journalists should not be involved in partisan political activities.
He further argued that Awuse’s participation could expose him to public criticism and undermine the respect traditionally accorded to his office.
“When an elder fails to realise that he is an elder, he will attract the insult and disrespect of children,” he said.
Nwala also accused Wike of influencing institutions and individuals in Rivers State for political interests, insisting that Awuse’s involvement in the Rainbow Coalition was damaging to his reputation and the traditional institution.
He urged the traditional ruler to reconsider his involvement, warning that his actions could undermine the office of the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
