Nigeria Governors’ Forum gives reason for neutral position on Rivers emergency rule

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said on Saturday it has not taken a position on the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declares a state of emergency in Rivers over the political crisis in the oil-rich state.

He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy,Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

President Tinubu, thereafter, appointed a former chief of naval staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the state’s sole administrator.

The Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday approved the president’s request for emergency rule in the South-South state.

The parliament has come under criticism from Nigerians, with many accusing the lawmakers of receiving bribes to approve the request.

READ ALSO: ‘No inducement of National Assembly to back Rivers emergency rule,’ Rep clarifies

In a statement issued by its Director-General, Abdulateef Shittu, NGF said it would not risk alienating its members elected on different political parties with a position on the state of emergency.

The statement read: “The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people.

“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.”

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