Like Edo, Cross River rejects south-south governors’ opposition to Rivers emergency

Peter Odey, acting governor of Cross River, says the state does not align with the position of the south-south governors’ forum on the state of emergency in Rivers state.

Odey has been standing in for Bassey Otu, the Cross River governor, who is on an annual leave.

On Thursday, the forum asked President Bola Tinubu to reverse the emergency rule declared in Rivers.

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.

On Thursday, the senate and the house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s request for the emergency rule. 

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, had dissociated himself from the position of the south-south governors, saying Tinubu’s decision would bring lasting peace to Rivers.

‘I WASN’T CONSULTED’

In a statement issued on Friday by Fred Abua, his press secretary, Odey said the forum did not seek his opinion before taking a position.

“As such, the position of the forum does not reflect the views of the Government of Cross River State,” the statement reads.

The governor said he “fully aligns” with Tinubu’s decision which was 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 should be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity,” he said.

The governor added that Cross River remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with the federal government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.

The governors of Cross River and Edo are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The other south-south states — Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa — are governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).