The Cross River State Government has dissociated itself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s reservations regarding President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The State Government made its position known a press statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, Barrister Fred Abua, on Thursday.
It clarified that the Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, was neither consulted nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive.
The state government emphasized its full support for the federal government’s decision to restore order amidst tension.
The forum, comprising governors from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration.
The statement noted that Dr. Odey’s aligns with President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as “a necessary step taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability.”
It further stated that: “Every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitates decisive action, such measures must be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.”
The statement reiterated Cross River State’s commitment to constitutional governance and collaboration with the federal government to address security challenges.
It further emphasized that the forum’s position “does not reflect the views of the Cross River State Government,” citing the lack of prior consultation as a critical factor.
The statement called for unity, stressing that: “Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”
