The Government of Cross River has distanced itself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s stance rejecting the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State. Acting Governor Peter Odey expressed the state’s full support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision, emphasizing the importance of bringing peace and stability to the oil-rich state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Ekpong, Odey clarified that Cross River was not consulted before the South-South Governors’ Forum released its position. The forum, led by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, had rejected the declaration of an emergency rule in Rivers, arguing that the political situation in the state had not reached a level that warranted such drastic measures.
“The position of the forum does not reflect the views of the Government of Cross River,” Odey said. “We fully align with President Tinubu’s decision, which was made in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability. Every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, and decisive actions, when necessary, should be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.”
Odey reiterated that Cross River remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to work with the federal government to ensure peace and security across the nation.
Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State also distanced himself from the forum’s rejection of the emergency rule in Rivers. Okpebholo’s spokesman, Fred Itua, released a statement on Thursday, stating that the governor did not approve the forum’s position, nor was he consulted or informed about it beforehand.
“Governor Okpebholo supports the actions taken by President Tinubu, as they aim to bring lasting solutions and peace to Rivers State and the South-South region,” the statement read.
On Thursday, the National Assembly approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. After a closed-door session, the Senate ratified the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly. The emergency rule, which was enacted by President Tinubu, will last for six months.
In its approval, the Senate emphasized that the National Assembly would oversee the actions of the sole administrator appointed to govern Rivers, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff. The Senate also recommended that a group of eminent Nigerians be tasked with mediating between the warring factions in the state’s ongoing political crisis. Similarly, the House of Representatives, which convened earlier, also approved the emergency rule.
