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GOV OKPEBHOLO DISSOCIATES SELF FROM SOUTH-SOUTH GOVS’ POSITION ON EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS STATE

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.

SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS’ FORUM CONDEMNS STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

The South-South Governors’ Forum has expressed concern over the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a move that does not satisfy the criteria outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution. The forum noted that the current political situation in Rivers State does not meet the conditions for declaring a state of emergency, which include war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, and natural disasters. In a statement, the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, acknowledged the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order but emphasized that the forum is equally mandated to secure peace and stability in their states. Diri stated, “We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the Governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.” The forum proposed the rescission of the state of emergency to reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace. Diri encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace, and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He emphasized that the moment for dialogue is now, adding that the forum recognizes the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria. Diri further noted that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. He pointed out that in the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered. The South-South Governors’ Forum’s statement comes amid growing criticism of the President’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum has also berated President Bola Tinubu for the declaration, describing it as “unacceptable and cannot stand”.