By Newsmata
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has distanced himself from the position of his colleagues in the South-South geo-political zone rejecting the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State on Tuesday by
President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the South-South Governors’ Forum had expressed strong reservations over the Federal Government’s declaration of a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State and suspension of the governor, his deputy and the 32 lawmakers, noting that the political situation did not warrant such drastic action.
A statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, the governors acknowledged the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order but noted that the conditions outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution for declaring a state of emergency.
As a way forward, the South-South Governors’ Forum called for an immediate rescission of the state of emergency to ease tensions and restore stability.
But in a statement on Thursday, the chief press secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said the position by his South-South colleagues did not get his nod neither was he consulted nor informed.
Itua said “While Governor Monday Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other Governors in the South-South geopolitical zone to take a position, he, however 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.
“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”.