The Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has warned that any traditional ruler found to be sponsoring criminal gangs in their communities will be removed.

The governor handed down the warning in his speech at the 106th Traditional Rulers Council meeting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

He informed that he made took the decision as a result of the security reports he got that some traditional rulers were using some gangs against perceived opponents.

Governor Wike asked the monarchs to shun meddling in politics and criminal activities in the state but to engage in activities aimed at enhancing peace and development in the state.

In his response, the Chairman of the Council, King Dandeson Jaja, assured the governor that members would heed his warning and continue to work for the unity of the people.

King Jaja also urged the state government to invest in vocational training to help occupy jobless youths to curb cultism and other crime related activities in the state.