Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has dissociated himself from the position of the South-South Governors opposing the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, noted that Governor Okpebholo was neither consulted nor informed about the position taken by the South-South Governors.

Itua stated that while Governor Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other Governors in the South-South geopolitical zone to take a position, he dissociates himself from any statement that opposes the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, understands the issues at stake,” Itua said.

Fred Itua added that Governor Okpebholo supports actions so far taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that will bring lasting solutions and peace to Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone. The statement was signed by Fred Itua on Thursday, March 20, 2025.