Okpebholo distances self from South-South Governors’ stance on state of emergency

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has distanced himself from the position taken by the South-South Governors’ Forum regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In a statement issued in Benin on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo clarified that he was neither consulted nor informed before the forum made its pronouncement.

The South-South Governors’ Forum had previously criticised the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers, describing it as “unacceptable.”

While acknowledging the right of his counterparts in the region to express their views, Okpebholo firmly stated that he does not align with any statement opposing President Bola Tinubu’s decision on the political crisis in Rivers State.

“It is evident that President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand,” he asserted.

The governor further expressed his unwavering support for the President’s measures to restore stability and ensure a lasting resolution to the crisis in Rivers and the wider South-South region.