Stop Intimidating Traditional Rulers, Monarch Warns GDI

Members of the
Grassroots Development Initiatives (GDI) in Rivers Sate have been warned against intimidating traditional rulers and chiefs who refused to associate  with them in their campaign for the Peoples  Democratic Party (PDP).
Chairman, Omagwa Council of Chiefs, High Chief Bright K. Kpaluku gave the warning  in an interview  with The Tide, following alleged attempts by some GDI  members to intimidate chiefs and traditional rulers in Ikwerre land, who have refused to associate with them in the political crisis in the state.
According to him, traditional rulers are not politicians, but custodians of peoples culture and therefore should not be dragged into partisan politics.
He alleged that some politicians in the state wanted to coerce traditional rulers to  give support to certain political party in the State, saying no politician has the rights to impose himself or his ambition on traditional rulers.
Chief Kpaluku particularly frowned  against the alleged  desecration  of  traditional institution in Ikwerre communities by GDI supporters, saying  Omagwa people would resist political intimidation of their traditional rulers by any politician.
The royal father commended  the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon.  Chibuike Rotimi Amaeachi for recognizing Omagwa as an autonomous community and for elevating the Omagwa  stool to first class.
He called on the governor to maintain his developmental trend despite the challenges confronting him in the state, assuring him of the support of Omagwa people.
Meanwhile, Community Development Committee (CIDC) Chairman in Omagwa Mr. Justice Joe has also  warned GDI members against  instigating crisis in Omagwa.
He said, no political group was  restricted  from carrying out lawful  activities in the area, but frowned  at alleged  attempt by GDI supporters to intimidate people  to support  them.
He said that the leaders and people of Omagwa community would personally resist any individual who wants to forment trouble in the area.

Enoch Epelle