Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo has dissociated himself from the position by the Governors of the South-South, opposing the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, the Governor said the governors did not get his nod before announcing their decision.
Recall that the South South Governors Forum in a statement by its chairman
and governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri
Governor, had called on Tinubu to rescind the declaration of emergency rule in order to calm tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace.
“In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.The moment for dialogue is now”, the forum stated.
However, distancing himself from his colleagues, Okpebholo said he was neither consulted nor informed.
“While Governor Monday Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other Governors in the South-South geo-political 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 Tinubu that will bring lasting solutions and peace to Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone”, Mr. Ituah noted.
Meanwhile, Governor Diri stated that: “The South-South Governors’ Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.
“We recognise the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states.
“However, the South-South Governors’ Forum expresses concern that the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This section suggests that such a declaration should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.
“It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.
“We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the Governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat”.