The governor of Edo, Monday Okpebholo, has distanced himself from the South-South Governors’ forum’s stance on declaring a state of emergency in Rivers state.
The forum urged President Bola Tinubu to lift the state of emergency in Rivers State on Thursday.
Fred Itua, Okpebholo’s chief press secretary (CPS), stated in a statement on Thursday that the forum decided without seeking his input.
“The position by the governors of the south-south, opposing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did not get the nod of Governor Okpebholo. Governor Okpebholo was neither consulted nor informed,” the statement reads.
“While governor Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other governors in the south-south geopolitical zone to take a position, he, however, dissociated himself from any statement that opposes the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.”
The governor stated that Tinubu is aware of the circumstances in Rivers state and reiterated his support for him in his decision to declare a state of emergency in the state.
Rivers and the entire south-south geopolitical zone will experience enduring peace as a result of the decision, he continued.
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“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.
“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.”
