Nigeria Nigeria Governors Decline to Comment on Emergency Rule in Rivers, Cite Non-Partisan Role

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has declined to comment on the calls for emergency rule in Rivers State, citing its non-partisan stance. Amid political tensions involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the NGF urges stakeholders to rely on appropriate crisis management mechanisms instead of divisive political debates.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has refused to take a stance on the growing calls for emergency rule in Rivers State, citing its commitment to neutrality. The crisis in Rivers has escalated following political disputes involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leading to speculation about possible federal intervention.

In a statement released in Abuja, NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu emphasized that the forum serves as a collective policy hub for governors from various political parties. He explained that taking sides on partisan matters could create divisions among members, potentially weakening the forum’s unity.

While the NGF refrains from engaging in politically charged debates, it reaffirmed its role in shaping national policies on governance, taxation, and economic reforms. The forum urged the public and media to rely on established crisis resolution mechanisms instead of expecting governors to make statements on controversial political issues.

As tensions continue in Rivers, analysts warn that imposing emergency rule could have serious democratic implications. Political stakeholders remain divided, with some calling for intervention and others urging dialogue to resolve the crisis.