BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has distanced himself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s call for President Bola Tinubu to rescind the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 20, 2025, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo clarified that he was neither consulted nor informed about the forum’s position.
The South-South Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, had earlier urged Tinubu to reverse the emergency rule, arguing that the political crisis in Rivers State did not meet the constitutional criteria for such a declaration.
However, Okpebholo has dissociated himself from this stance, reaffirming his support for the President’s decision.
“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 read.
It added, “While Governor 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.”
Okpebholo expressed confidence in Tinubu’s understanding of the issues at stake and his ability to restore peace and stability in Rivers State.
“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.
The governor added, “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 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked widespread debate, with stakeholders divided over its constitutionality and implications for democracy.
While the South-South Governors’ Forum and other groups have criticised the move, Okpebholo’s support for Tinubu highlights the differing perspectives within the region.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing the prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The President suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state House of Assembly, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
