The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has clarified why it has not taken a stance on the emergency rule declared in Rivers State.
BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu proclaimed a state of emergency in the south-south state, citing the prolonged political crisis and vandalisation of oil installations.
The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all house of assembly members; for six months.
Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for Rivers state.
On Thursday, the senate and the house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s request for the emergency rule.
Several stakeholders, including the South-south Governors’ Forum, have condemned the emergency rule in Rivers.
‘VARYING POLITICAL INTERESTS’
In a statement issued on Saturday, Abdulateef Shittu, director-general of the NGF, said as a group comprising members elected on different political parties, taking a position on the state of emergency could “alienate members”.
“The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people,” the statement reads.
“As a technical and policy hub comprising Governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.
“In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history — just a few years after the Forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members.”
Shittu added that the NGF takes positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare, among others.