Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has advised the Rivers State Government to stop politicizing the traditional institution in the state.
Abe while speaking at the palace of the King of Onne Clan and Chairman of the Eleme Councils of Chiefs and Elders, His Royal Majesty, King Emere J.E. Nkpornwi explained that the government of Rivers State is fond of intimidating traditional rulers and pitching them against leaders of the opposition political parties.
“It is the role of our traditional rulers to remember that politics come and go, governors come and go, but the traditional institution that will remain must be able to find men and women of courage and character that will be able to hold this institution down. If we don’t find such men and women, the danger Rivers State is facing now is that the traditional institution may become destroyed and adulterated by politics,” he said.
Senator Abe also expressed dismay that local government chairmen have learned the ugly lessons from the State Government and now resorting to intimidating traditional rulers as well.
Responding, King Emere Nkpornwi described the attack on Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and other opposition leaders as unnecessary.
“I want to tell you, my son, I give you more power from today that you will break through. I heard what happened to you, it was like a disgrace to the people of Ogoni and the entire Rivers State. We don’t see the need for that because any party can go round, their business is to go and talk to the people, you say the truth to the people, they will listen to you and they will join you, not when you come to make a promise and then tomorrow you fail, when you are afraid of human beings you must run away or rather you go and throw stones and you think the stone will not reach you someday. You lie, it will surely come back to you”.
In a related development, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe had also visited His Royal Highness, Emere Dr. Appolus Chu in his palace at Ogale Eleme.
Senator Abe while fielding questions in what appeared like an interactive session in the palace of King Appolus Chu assured that traditional rulers would be given a pride of place which they deserve in the society.
He used the opportunity to reel out his programmes and manifesto for the forthcoming 2023 Governorship election. On ground to receive the Senator were teaming supporters of the SDP in Eleme Local Government Area led by the State Party Chairman, Solsuema Osaro, Davies Saloka, Abel Onungwe and a host of others.
