The Edo and Cross Rivers state governors have distanced themselves from the position taken by South-South governors who opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Media reports indicated that Southsouth governors opposed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State following the protracted face-off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
However, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo and acting Governor of Cross Rivers State, Dr Peter Odey, debunked the reports in separate statements, stressing that there was no time the governors met on the purported denouncement.
his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo made it clear that he was neither consulted nor informed about the stance taken by the South-South governors before the statement was made.
“The South-South governors’ opposition to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not reflect Governor Okpebholo’s view. He was neither consulted nor informed,” the statement read.
While recognizing the right of other South-South governors to express their opinions, Okpebholo emphasized his support for the President’s decision, expressing confidence that President Tinubu, as both the President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, fully understands the issues at hand.
Odey, in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Fred Abua, said, “The position of the forum does not reflect the views of the Government of Cross River State, which fully aligns with the decision of Mr President, taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability.”
Adding, “Every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitate decisive action, such measures should be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.
“Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”
