Acting Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, has clarified that his government did not contribute to the controversial statement issued by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum opposing President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend the Rivers State Governor and declare a state of emergency. In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Fred Abua, Odey emphasized that neither he nor his administration was consulted before the forum released its stance.
Odey reaffirmed that Cross River State fully supports the President’s decision, which he said was taken in the best interests of national security, peace, and stability. “Every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitate decisive action, such measures should be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity,” he stated.
This development follows President Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State after a prolonged political crisis and an oil pipeline bombing. The emergency measures included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and key members of the state legislature for six months. However, the South-South Governors’ Forum, led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, argued that the situation did not meet the constitutional criteria for an emergency, calling for the state of emergency to be rescinded.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo similarly distanced himself from the forum’s position, underscoring the divided opinions among state leaders on this matter.
