Traditional leaders in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended President Bola Tinubu for providing critical infrastructure in Ogoniland
The monarchs who came under the aegis of Khana Local Government Traditional Rulers’ Council, expressed support for President Tinubu’s recent appointments of their sons and daughters from the Ogoni communities to key national positions.
The traditional rulers made the commendation in a communique rising from their meeting held in Bori Khana LGA, on Tuesday.
The communique was signed by the chairman of Khana Local Government Area Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Dr. Baridam Suanu Yormaadam, traditional ruler of Bangha Kingdom.
The monarchs praised the President for establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Ogoniland, and the appointment of Prof Don Baridam as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council.
The traditional rulers also hailed the appointment of the President of KAGOTE, Emmanuel Deeyah as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, (HYPREP), and described the appointments as a positive step toward empowering the Ogoni community and fostering inclusive governance.
The council further hailed Dr Bariere Thomas on his election as Chairman of Khana LGA, along with the 19 newly elected councilors during the August 30, 2025, local government council elections, urging the new leadership to govern inclusively, serving all people of Khana regardless of political affiliations.
Addressing concerns over recent criticisms, the council condemned the attacks on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as well as Deeyah and other sons and daughters of Khana.
The council described such criticism as irresponsible and pledged to impose sanctions if they continued, emphasising the need to uphold the dignity of the Ogoni leaders.
The traditional rulers’ council reaffirmed their backing of the President’s constitutional right to make appointments and called for unity and respect within the Khana people to ensure peace and development in the region.
“We further express our gratitude to the President for appointing distinguished sons of Khana Local Government Area to serve our fatherland at top levels including Prof Don Baridam as Pro‑Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal University of Environment and Technology and Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah as Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund (HYPREP).
“Council is displeased with the continued and most irresponsible media attacks over the appointment of Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah. The President is the head of the executive arm of government and has the constitutional right to make such appointments. We therefore, give full backing to Mr. Deeyah’s appointment.
“Council further condemns continued unwarranted attacks on our sons and daughters through the media and warn that any further attacks will be met with stiff sanctions by the Traditional Rulers.”
The council however, endorsed “President Tinubu’s efforts to elevate the Ogoni community and a call for clean, inclusive governance in Khana Local Government Area going forward”.
Blessing Ibunge
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