Nigeria Governors Forum Declines Stance on Rivers State Emergency Declaration

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has made it clear that it will not take a stance on President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The forum reiterated its core function as a platform for fostering unified policies and collaborating on sustainable socioeconomic development rather than engaging in politically divisive matters.

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NGF Defends Its Neutrality

In a statement issued on Saturday, NGF’s Director General, Abdulateef Shittu, emphasized that the forum was not created to take positions on politically sensitive issues, especially those that could deepen divisions among its members. He further argued that such actions could indicate a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s political history.

“Taking positions on divisive partisan issues, regardless of how it’s phrased, reflects a poor understanding of history,” Shittu stated.

The NGF, which serves as a collective body for Nigeria’s 36 governors, has historically positioned itself as a non-partisan platform that prioritizes governance and economic policies over political disputes. Shittu’s statement reinforces the forum’s commitment to maintaining neutrality in politically charged situations.

Rivers State Political Crisis Escalates

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State comes amid a prolonged political crisis that has plagued the state for nearly two years. The crisis stems from a bitter power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The tensions between the two political figures have led to governance deadlocks, factional disputes within the state legislature, and overall instability. In response, President Tinubu intervened by declaring a state of emergency on Tuesday.

As part of the emergency measures, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was subsequently appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the period of suspension.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary step to restore order, while others have criticized it as an excessive intervention that undermines democratic processes.

NGF Urges Confidence in Crisis Management

While the NGF refrained from commenting directly on the state of emergency, it called on the public and media to exercise patience and have confidence in the government’s crisis management efforts. The forum assured Nigerians that appropriate platforms and legal mechanisms would be utilized to resolve the situation in Rivers State.

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

The NGF further highlighted that, as a technical and policy-driven organization, it seeks to avoid political entanglements that could create divisions among its members, who belong to different political parties.

“In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history—just a few years after the Forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members,” the statement noted.

The forum referenced past incidents where political disagreements nearly fractured the unity of the NGF. The organization remains cautious about engaging in matters that could reignite such divisions, especially at a time when Nigeria faces pressing economic and governance challenges.

NGF’s Role in Governance and Policy Issues

Despite its neutral stance on the Rivers State crisis, the NGF emphasized that it has never shied away from taking bold positions on critical governance and policy issues. The forum pointed to its involvement in key national discussions, including:

• Wage and taxation policies – Advocating for fair labor policies and sustainable tax structures.
• Education sector reforms – Supporting policies that enhance access to quality education.
• Universal healthcare – Pushing for improved healthcare delivery and insurance coverage for Nigerians.

The NGF reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the federal government, state governments, and other key stakeholders to ensure good governance and sustainable development across the country.

Reactions to NGF’s Neutral Stance

The NGF’s refusal to take a position on the Rivers State emergency declaration has drawn mixed reactions. Some political analysts argue that the forum’s neutrality is necessary to maintain harmony among governors from different political parties. Others, however, believe that as a body representing the interests of state governments, the NGF should take a definitive stance on whether the suspension of a democratically elected governor aligns with democratic principles.

Opposition politicians have criticized the NGF for what they perceive as an avoidance of responsibility, while some civil society groups have urged the forum to advocate for constitutional processes in resolving political disputes.

The Path Forward

As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, attention will remain on how the emergency administration led by Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas handles governance in the state. Many observers are also keen to see if the state’s political crisis will be resolved within the six-month period or if further interventions will be required.

Meanwhile, the NGF has reiterated its commitment to its core mission—ensuring that Nigeria’s governors work together to address socioeconomic challenges while staying clear of politically divisive matters. Whether this neutral approach will serve the best interests of Nigerian democracy remains to be seen.