Nigeria Governors’ Forum has said it would not take sides on the declared state of emergency in Rivers State, which saw one of its members, Siminalani Fubsiara, suspended.

In a statement on Saturday, Abdulateef Shittu, director-general of the NGF, disclosed the forum’s stance on the state of emergency, a topic on the front burner in national discourse.

It said, “As a technical and policy hub comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.

“In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history — just a few years after the forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members.”

On Tuesday, Mr Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy and the state assembly lawmakers amid the political crisis between Mr Fubara and his godfather, Nyesom Wike.

This development has divided opinions as some Nigerians question the power of Mr Tinubu to suspend elected officials in a state.

However, the National Assembly ratified the state of emergency via voice note, a move many have condemned as improper to determine a 2/3 majority in a serious issue like Rivers.