The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday attributed its neutral position on the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State to the need to steer clear of taking positions that may align members with varying political interests.
Taking positions on contentious partisan issues, the NGF said, would not augur well for it, especially in view of its past experience in fundamental division.
Notwithstanding, the declaration of the state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu yesterday generated more kudos and knocks from across the country.
Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, said the action of the president was meant to ensure protection of lives and restoration of law and order in the state, while the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said his principal was required to “avert needless harm and destruction.”
National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, said Tinubu, by his action, cleared what had manifested as a constitutional crisis in Rivers state.
The NGF, in a statement by its Director General Abdulateef Shittu, said it is essentially “an umbrella body for sub-national governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socio-economic growth and the well-being of the people.”
It added: “As a technical and policy hub comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.
“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.
“Regardless, the Forum is reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education and universal healthcare, among others.”
It asked for “the understanding of the public and the media, confident that appropriate platforms and crisis management mechanisms would take care of any such issues.”
Senator Lado said the President’s initiative on the Rivers State crisis was “driven by the highest commitment to preserving lives, restoring order and protecting the democratic integrity of our nation.”
He said the timely intervention has reinforced the President’s unwavering resolve to prioritise the security and stability of all Nigerians, regardless of political or ethnic affiliations.
“To the Nigerian people, this action was not just necessary, it was imperative. When a state faces a situation where lawlessness threatens peace, governance and the safety of citizens, decisive measures must be taken.
“The declaration of a state of emergency was not about politics but about protecting innocent lives, ensuring law and order, and preserving the economic and social fabric of Rivers State.
“The Federal Government, through this action, has reassured Nigerians that no part of the country will be left to the forces of chaos and instability.”
On his part, Sunday Dare said: “In times of harsh circumstance and imminent danger, a responsible and dedicated leader is forced into action to avert needless harm and destruction. This is true of the President of a nation, a general in the midst of battle or the community leader who lives next door.”
