Governor fires and then reinstates traditional rulers council chair in a week

Governor Bassey Otu from Cross River State fired the chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council. He changed his mind in less than a week. This has led to many people questioning how decisions are made in his administration.

Two letters signed by Francis Edet, the governor’s adviser on chieftaincy affairs, appeared on Facebook. These letters showed opposite messages about who should lead the council.

The first letter, dated 18 June, was sent to the chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council. It announced that Felix Ukudare, the paramount ruler of Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, would be the new chairman.

Titled “Appointment of a new chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council,” the letter said: “This is to inform you that Governor Otu has approved the appointment of Felix Ukudare, the paramount ruler of Obudu Traditional Rulers Council, as the new chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council.”

The letter also ordered the current chairman to stop an ongoing tour of local government areas and to prepare handover notes.

“Consequently, you are advised to cancel your current tour of Local Government Areas and prepare your handover note to the incoming chairman as the department prepares the swearing-in of the new chairman by the governor, which comes up very soon.”

Reversal

But another letter, dated 23 June, appeared five days later. This letter reversed the earlier decision.

The letter, titled “Extension of Tenure as Chairman of Council,” informed the current chairman that Governor Otu had renewed his tenure for an additional two years.

“The Department of Chieftaincy Affairs is pleased to inform you that Governor Otu, after a thorough assessment of your performance, has graciously extended your tenure as chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers Council for another two years.”

The letter added: “This extension of tenure officially cancels the earlier announced change of guard as stated by the department.”

Like the first letter, the second letter was also signed by Mr Edet. The reversal letter was postedon Facebook by the governor’s spokesperson, Linus Obogo.

Public Outrage

The two conflicting letters quickly got reactions in the comments under Mr Obogo’s Facebook post. Many users were confused about the reasons for the sudden change.

Reacting to the news, Facebook user Ohobu Amogor wrote: “So, Mr Obogo, the earlier announcement yesterday was a prank. I never knew Governor Otu is a magician.”

Another user, Iyam-Optimist Edodi, asked who is really making decisions in the government.

“Is our governor still in charge of his government, or are a few people, as rumoured, the ones making calls on his behalf?”

For Precious Akawu, the timing of the reversal raised concerns. “Why didn’t you bring this before yesterday’s celebration of another?”

Solomon Ede said the situation is embarrassing for the state.

“This is a first-class embarrassment to the state. It states clearly that the appointment was not by merit but influenced by non-state actors.”

Others warned that this issue might hurt the traditional institution.

“I just hope the gods or ancestors won’t get angry for the confusion,” Obibia wrote.

Similarly, Ugbong Abegim claimed that political interests had affected the decision.

“Our sacred institution is being politicised in this appointment. The traditional rulers’ council maintains a sacrosanct rotation principle. It is well for Otu’s sectional interests, including traditional leadership.”

Otu exercising executive powers, aide

When asked about the situation, the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Obogo, directed questions to Mr Edet, the adviser on chieftaincy affairs.

When asked if the letters for the chairman's removal and later tenure extension were approved by Governor Otu, Mr Edet said: “There’s nothing I do in my office without the approval of the governor. And anything I do is being guided by the traditional rulers’ council laws. A lot of people are not aware of that.”

When asked if the Traditional Rulers’ Council law allows the governor to extend the tenure of a traditional ruler without going to the legislature, Mr Edet replied: “Yes, from 1978 to date there is. Everybody who is there is supposed to be there for two years.

“The incumbent man who is there has exhausted his two years, and if, by the prerogative of the governor, he decides to extend it for him, he (Governor Otu) has the power.”

Mr Edet added that the law allows Mr Otu to extend the tenure of the chairman of the council if he wishes.