By Dominic Umoh
November 15, 2026
Human rights lawyer, Barrister Chetam Thierry Nwala, has criticised the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, over reports linking him to the Rainbow Coalition’s campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwala expressed concern that the reported involvement of the traditional ruler in partisan political activities could undermine the neutrality and public confidence traditionally associated with royal institutions.
He maintained that traditional rulers occupy positions of cultural and moral authority and should exercise caution in their involvement with political organisations.
According to the lawyer, traditional institutions are expected to promote unity, preserve cultural values and provide leadership to communities regardless of the political affiliations of their subjects.
He argued that the inclusion of a prominent traditional ruler in a political campaign structure could create the impression that the institution he represents supports a particular political interest.
Nwala warned that such perceptions could weaken public confidence in traditional leadership and potentially deepen political divisions within communities.
The lawyer urged Awuse to reconsider his reported involvement in the Rainbow Coalition’s campaign council, stressing the importance of preserving the dignity and impartiality of traditional institutions.
He maintained that traditional rulers should remain accessible to people across political divides and avoid engagements that could compromise their perceived neutrality.
The criticism comes days after the inauguration of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress and Rainbow Coalition Presidential Campaign Council in Port Harcourt on November 12.
The campaign organisation, inaugurated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is expected to coordinate political mobilisation across Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Awuse was recently reinstated as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following his removal from the position in June 2024.
However, Awuse’s reported membership of the campaign council has not been independently confirmed, and his response to Nwala’s criticism was not available at the time of this report.
Nwala maintained that traditional institutions derive much of their influence from their ability to command respect across political, religious and social divisions.
He therefore called on traditional leaders to uphold the responsibilities of their offices and prioritise the unity and collective interests of the communities they represent.
