South South Governors Forum Divided As Edo, C' River Support Fubara's Suspension

By Ndifereke BASSEY 

Cross River and Edo state governments have commended the federal government for declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State and subsequent suspension of Fubara.

The two states blamed other South-South governors who faulted President Bola Tinubu for the action, criticising them for not consulting Edo and the Cross River State acting governor, Dr Peter Odey, before taking a position on the matter.

Apart from Cross River and Edo States, the other four states in the region are opposition party, PDP-controlled states.

Odey, in a statement on Friday morning, signed by his press secretary, Fred Abua, commended Tinubu’s decision, saying it is to restore order, amid escalating unrest in Rivers State

“The Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted by the South South Governors’ Forum nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive,” he said.

The forum had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration.

Odey said his government completely aligns itself with President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as “a necessary step taken in the best interest 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 must be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity,” he added.

Odey expressed his government’s commitment to constitutional governance and collaboration with the federal government to address security challenges.

Criticising the Forum’s position, Odey said “It does not reflect the views of the Cross River State Government,” citing the lack of prior consultation as a critical factor