Governors Bassey Otu and Monday Opebholo have distanced themselves from the position of the South-South Governors’ Forum’s rejection of the emergency rule in Rivers.

Cross River’s acting governor, Peter Odey, said Mr Otu’s administration fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s quest to bring peace and stability to the oil-rich state.

In a statement by his chief press secretary, Fred Ekpong, Mr Odey said the Cross River government was not consulted before the forum came out with its position.

The forum, through its chairperson, Governor Douye Diri, issued a statement on Thursday stating the governors’ opposition to the emergency rule.

Mr Diri, in the statement, said the political situation in Rivers did not deteriorate to the point where an emergency rule was required.

Mr Odey said, “The position of the forum does not reflect the views of the government of Cross River, which fully aligns with the decision of Mr President, taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability.

“Every responsible government must prioritise 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.”

He added, “Cross River remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with the federal government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”

Mr Okpebholo, in a statement on Thursday by his spokesperson, Fred Itua, said the forum’s statement did not receive his approval and that he was neither consulted nor informed about it.

“President Tinubu, president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, understands the issues at stake.

“Governor Okpebholo supports actions so far taken by President Tinubu that will bring lasting solutions and peace to Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone,” the statement said.

On Thursday, the National Assembly approved the declaration of a state of emergency by Mr Tinubu in Rivers.

The Senate, which met behind closed doors, ratified the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers House of Assembly through voice votes.

In approving the emergency rule, the Red Chamber, however, said the National Assembly should oversee the activities of the sole administrator, Obot-Ette Ibas, a former chief of naval staff.

It also recommended the setting up of eminent Nigerians, who would meet with the warring parties in the Rivers impasse.

The House of Representatives, which sat earlier, approved Mr Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers. 

(NAN)