Wike withdraws certificate of recognition of first-class king

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, has approved the withdrawal of the certificate of recognition from Monday Noryaa, Gbenemene Baabe. 

A statement issued on Monday by Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike’s special assistant on electronic media,  said the withdrawal was with immediate effect.

According to Nwakaudu, the withdrawal of the government’s recognition from Noryaa, a first-class traditional ruler of Khana, Ogoniland, followed his indictment in cult-related activities.

He added that the traditional ruler was found guilty of harbouring cultists, leading to insecurity in the area.

The governor said he is commitment to the promotion of peace and security across the state, saying any traditional ruler or government functionary indicted for promoting insecurity will face the full weight of the law.

During an interactive meeting with traditional rulers in the state, Wike had warned them that his government would dethrone traditional rulers found guilty of aiding and abetting criminal activities in the state.

“For communities where cultism and kidnapping are encouraged, their traditional rulers will be deposed. We will not allow crisis in our communities. If you don’t want to take the war to them, we will take the war to you,” Wike had said.

Wike’s action comes after Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state, created additional four emirates in Kano, a move believed to be targetted at Muhammadu Sanusi, emir of Kano.

The monarch was said to have worked against Ganduje’s reelection.