Edo Gov Backs Out Of South South Govs Position On Rivers, Declares “I Stand With Tinubu”

By Ayodele Oni

Apparently trying to toe the line of his godfathers, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, has distanced himself from the stand of South South Governors’ Forum on the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

Okpebholo, just above three months in office, with the outcome of his election still being challenged at the tribunal, rejected the position of the South-South Governors’ Forum, on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State proclaimed by President Bola Tinubu.

The South-South Governors’ Forum had in a statement called for the reversal of the state of emergency. It argued that the situation does not meet constitutional requirements.

Chairman of the Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who signed the statement, 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,” the statement read.

However, the Edo Governor who is a member of the Forum said he was neither consulted, nor informed before taking the position.

The statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, noted that Okpebholo stands with President Tinubu.

He said: “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 Ahmed Tinubu.

“Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu that will bring lasting solutions and peace to Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone.”