Wike calls Emohua monarch Awuse 'political bulldozer' of Rivers State at Abuja event

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike described Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, paramount ruler of Emohua Kingdom, as the "political bulldozer of Rivers State" during Wednesday's commissioning of Federal High Court Judges' Quarters in Abuja. The former Rivers governor acknowledged Awuse's foundational role in his political career while noting the monarch has now abandoned politics for traditional rule. "They call him sergeant but where he got the name from, I do not know," Wike said at the event. This public recognition comes amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers State ahead of future elections, highlighting continued influence of traditional rulers in regional politics despite their formal withdrawal from partisan activities. The comment signals potential shifts in the state's political dynamics as Wike continues positioning his allies and detractors in public forums. For Rivers State indigenes and political observers, this underscores how traditional institutions maintain behind-the-scenes influence even after public retirement from politics. It also reflects the complex web of personal relationships that drive political movements in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. How do traditional rulers' continued influence in politics affect your community's development priorities?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/18/sergeant-awuse-is-the-political-bulldozer-of-rivers-state-wike/