COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE BONNY CHIEFS’ COUNCIL ON THE PARTICIPATION OF CHIEFS IN PARTISAN POLITICS

The Bonny Chiefs’ Council, having convened in session on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 deliberated on the matter of certain Chiefs whose names have been associated with the Campaign Council of a political party in respect of the forthcoming Local Government Elections of 2025 in Rivers State, Nigeria.

1. Background:

The Chiefs’ Council notes with concern that the names of Chief Adienyesigha John Philip Halliday, Chief Iganima Jack Manila-Pepple, and Chief Benjamin Adda- Allison have been published as members of the campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Local Government Elections in Bonny Local Government Area.

2. Traditional Position:

By the customs and conventions of the Bonny Kingdom, Chiefs are custodians of our tradition, culture, and unity, and as such are enjoined to maintain neutrality in partisan political contests. This neutrality safeguards the integrity of the Chieftaincy Institution and ensures that chiefs remain fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliation.

3. Council’s Findings:

The Council has initiated steps to verify these reports and has afforded the affected Chiefs the opportunity to clarify their positions. Preliminary indications confirm the inclusion of their names on the said campaign list.

4. Council’s Resolution:

(a) The Chiefs’ Council hereby reaffirms its longstanding principle that the Bonny Chiefs’ Council is apolitical and that a Chief of Bonny Kingdom shall not participate in partisan politics.

(b) The affected Chiefs are directed to immediately withdraw their names and involvement from partisan political campaign structures, and maintain the apolitical structure of Council, as members of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council.

(c) The Chiefs’ Council further resolves that henceforth, any chief who engages in partisan politics does so strictly in his personal capacity and shall not enjoy the recognition, privileges, or protection of the Council in that regard.

(d) Finally, failure to comply with this directive shall attract appropriate traditional sanctions as provided by the customs and standing orders of the Chiefs’ Council, including but not limited to suspension from participation in the Council’s activities.

5. Call to the Community:

The Council assures the people of Bonny Kingdom that the Chieftaincy Institution remains neutral and committed to peace, unity, and the well-being of all sons and daughters of the kingdom, irrespective of political affiliation.

Issued this 22nd day of August, 2025, at King Perekule Royal Palace, Bonny Kingdom.