The NGF further emphasized its commitment to advocating for key governance issues such as taxation, education, wages, and healthcare but reiterated its decision to remain neutral on partisan conflicts to preserve its role as a collaborative platform for all governors.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has refrained from taking a stance on the recent emergency rule imposed in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing its role as a unifying body for state governments across party lines.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu clarified that the forum is primarily focused on policy coordination and governance-related matters rather than politically charged issues. He noted that engaging in divisive discussions could undermine the forum’s integrity and historical unity.
Rivers State has been embroiled in a prolonged political crisis, fueled by the power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Sim Fubara. The escalating tensions led President Tinubu to take decisive action on Tuesday, declaring a state of emergency in the state.
As part of the directive, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended from office for six months. In their place, Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee governance in the state.
While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the NGF called for public understanding and expressed confidence that appropriate institutions and crisis management mechanisms would address the situation effectively.
“The Forum serves as a collective body for state governments to foster unified policies and drive socioeconomic development. Given its composition of governors from diverse political backgrounds, it deliberately avoids taking positions on matters that could divide its members,” the statement read.
The NGF further emphasized its commitment to advocating for key governance issues such as taxation, education, wages, and healthcare but reiterated its decision to remain neutral on partisan conflicts to preserve its role as a collaborative platform for all governors.
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