Nigerian Governors' Forum Silent On Rivers State Crisis Amid Rising Tensions

NGF Keeps Quiet as Rivers State Drama Unfolds

Naija News has learned that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has yet to weigh in on the explosive situation surrounding the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The forum's chairman, Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State, has not issued any statement addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Attempts by Daily Trust to get a comment from NGF’s Director-General, Lateef Shittu, have fallen flat. Despite repeated calls and a WhatsApp message from a reporter seeking his perspective, Shittu has remained silent, leaving many to wonder what the forum's position might be on this critical issue.

PDP Governors Vow Legal Battle Against Suspension

Meanwhile, the governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aren’t holding back. They’ve pledged to challenge the suspension of their colleague in court, asserting their belief in the rule of law and the democratic process. Governor Siminalayi Fubara himself has responded with a measured tone, stating that he intends to tackle the situation with "wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process."

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In a strongly worded statement issued on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the forum, expressed deep disapproval of President Tinubu’s decision. The forum urged President Tinubu to acknowledge his alleged error and rescind the suspension. According to the statement, this move not only undermines the principles of democracy but also sets a dangerous precedent for future governance in Nigeria.

Accusations Fly as Crisis Deepens

The PDP governors have been vocal in criticizing President Tinubu for allegedly siding with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, whom they accuse of playing a pivotal role in the unfolding political impasse in Rivers State. They argue that Tinubu’s silence on Wike's involvement is not just deafening but also enabling, allowing the situation to spiral out of control.

The forum’s statement emphasized their solidarity with Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State during this challenging period. "There is no other time that our philosophy of 'TOUCH ONE, TOUCH ALL' is more relevant than now," the statement declared, rallying support for their embattled colleague.

The PDP governors further condemned the suspension as "unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive," warning that it poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s fragile democracy. They argue that declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State could worsen existing crises, deepen mistrust among citizens, escalate security threats, and destabilize the economy and national unity.

Judicial Review Called For

In alignment with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the PDP governors have called for a judicial review of Section 305(3) of the Constitution, labeling the suspension as authoritarian and urging President Tinubu to reconsider his decision before it’s too late.

“Mr. President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grievous mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late,” the PDP Governors’ Forum concluded in their statement.

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As tensions continue to rise, all eyes are on the NGF and President Tinubu to see how they will navigate this complex and politically charged situation. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.