Nigeria Governors Forum Speaks Out on Fubara's Six-Month Suspension.

Nigeria Governors Forum Speaks Out on Fubara's Six-Month Suspension.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has announced that it will not take a stance on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The forum reiterated its primary function as a platform for promoting unified policies and collaborating on sustainable socioeconomic development in the country.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NGF’s Director General, Abdulateef Shittu, emphasized that the forum’s role is not to engage in divisive partisan issues. He argued that taking sides on such matters demonstrates a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s political history. “Taking positions on divisive partisan issues, regardless of how they are phrased, reflects a poor understanding of history,” Shittu stated.

Rivers State has been facing political instability for nearly two years due to a bitter power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. This ongoing conflict has led to a governance deadlock, prompting President Tinubu to intervene.

In response to the crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday. As a result of this declaration, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly were suspended for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.

NGF Calls for Understanding and Confidence in Crisis Management.

While refraining from commenting directly on the state of emergency, the NGF urged the public and the media to exercise understanding and confidence in the crisis management measures being implemented. The forum expressed its belief that appropriate platforms and methods will be utilized to address the situation in Rivers State.

“The Forum wishes to clarify that it serves as an umbrella body for subnational governments, aiming to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders for sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people,” the statement read.

The NGF further emphasized that, as a technical and policy hub comprised of governors elected from various political platforms, it is committed to avoiding positions that could alienate members with differing views.

“In any phrasing, taking positions on contentious partisan issues indicates a poor understanding of history—this comes just a few years after the Forum overcame a fundamental division stemming from political differences among its members,” the statement noted.

Despite its neutral stance on the emergency declaration, the NGF highlighted its reputation for taking bold positions on critical governance and policy issues, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the forum’s commitment to working collaboratively for the betterment of Nigeria’s governance and development.