By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo on Thursday distanced himself from a statement by South-South governors opposing the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State.
The Daily Crucible reports that President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday declared state of emergency in Rivers after the feud between the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the house of Assembly members proved intractable.
Tinubu suspended the executive and legislative arms of government in the state for six months and appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (Rtd) as sole administrator.
Ibas who was sworn – in on Wednesday at the State House Abuja by the President, resumed office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday but the South South Governors Forum has kicked against the emergency rule.
However, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo said that the step taken by President Bola Tinubu concerning Rivers State is based on his understanding of the issue and separated himself from the position of his colleagues in the South South zone.
“The position by the governors of the South-South, opposing the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, did not get the nod of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was neither consulted nor informed.
“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 Tinubu.
“The 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 Tinubu that will bring lasting solutions and peace to Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone,” he stated.
The Daily Crucible reports that earlier same Thursday, the South South Governors’ Forum hast frowned at the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the two arms of government, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The South South Governors said 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.
In a statement by Chairman of South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, he stated that the political dispute in Rivers should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.
Diri, however, noted that the governors from the zone recognise the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as they are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in their states.
He said: “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.
“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, to reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.
“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.”
