FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo has rejected the position of the South-South Governors Forum on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The South-South Governors Forum had in a statement on Tuesday called for the reversal of the declaration, arguing that the situation does not meet constitutional requirements.
Chairman of the forum and governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri 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,” Diri said.
However, the Edo governor, who is a member of the forum, said he was neither consulted nor informed before the position was taken.
Okpebholo, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, noted said he stands with President Tinubu on the decision on Rivers.
“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 by President Tinubu.
“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 statement said.
