Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, has rejected the position of the South-South Governors’ Forum, on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State proclaimed by President Bola Tinubu.
The South-South Governors’ Forum had in a statement on Tuesday called for the reversal of the state of emergency. It argued that the situation does not meet constitutional requirements.
Chairman of the Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who signed the statement, the forum, urged the federal government to seek a more peaceful resolution.
“To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the rescission of the state of emergency,” the statement read.
However, the Edo Governor who is a member of the Forum said he he was neither consulted, nor informed before taking the position.
The statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, noted that Okpebholo stands with President Tinubu.
He 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.”
