ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has stated that it will not take a position on the political crisis in Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, citing the need to preserve its neutrality and unity among governors of diverse political affiliations.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 22, 2025 by the Forum’s Director-General, Abdulateef Shittu, the NGF described itself as a “technical and policy hub” for subnational governments, not a platform for partisan engagement.
“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,” the statement read.
President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State on Tuesday, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly, has sparked nationwide debate.
The action, approved by the National Assembly, has drawn concern from legal experts, civil society groups, and political observers over its constitutionality and broader implications for governance.
A Non-Partisan Platform
Shittu explained that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, which brings together governors elected on various political platforms, avoids making pronouncements on divisive or partisan issues to prevent alienating any of its members.
“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,” he said.
He further referenced the Forum’s recent past, noting that it had previously suffered internal fractures due to political disagreements.
“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,” Shittu said.
Focus on Policy, Not Politics
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum reaffirmed that its core mandate remains centered on policy coordination and advocacy on critical national issues such as wages, taxation, healthcare, and education.
“The Forum takes positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences,” the statement concluded.
The clarification comes amid mounting pressure on the Forum to weigh in on the developments in Rivers State, which have underscored growing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Observers say the NGF’s reluctance to comment publicly reflects the delicate balancing act the organisation must perform to maintain cohesion among governors from across the country’s political spectrum.
