C’River Govt disowns South-South Govs Forum, drum support for Tinubu over Rivers emergency rule

The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, has distanced himself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend the Rivers State Governor and impose a state of emergency.

In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Fred Abua, Odey clarified that he was neither consulted nor his opinion sought before the forum released its position.

He revealed that Cross River State was in full support of Tinubu’s decision, stating that it was taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability.

“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,” Odey stated.

He further said that every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, adding that decisive actions should be supported when necessary for the greater good of democracy and national unity.

Similarly, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier rejected the South-South Governors’ Forum’s stance against the emergency rule in Rivers, as reported by Vanguard on Thursday.

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following prolonged political unrest and a recent pipeline bombing. As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months.

However, the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, condemned the move, arguing that the crisis in Rivers had not escalated to a level warranting an emergency declaration. Citing Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, Diri insisted that such a measure should only be applied in cases of war, external aggression, or a breakdown of public order threatening national security.

He further pointed out that the Constitution provides clear procedures for removing a governor and deputy governor under Section 188, which he claimed were not followed.

“As a path forward to reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, the South-South Governors’ Forum proposes the rescission of the state of emergency,” Diri stated.