By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has publicly dissociated himself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s rejection of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Okpebholo’s stance, made known through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, reveals that he was not consulted by his fellow governors before they issued their statement opposing the emergency declaration.
This development has exposed a rift within the South-South Governors’ Forum, with Okpebholo’s bold move likely to spark further debate and discussion.
The South-South Governors’ Forum had earlier rejected President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing concerns about the implications for democracy and the rule of law.
However, Okpebholo’s decision to break ranks with his fellow governors has added a new layer of complexity to the situation.
Okpebholo’s statement emphasized his support for President Tinubu’s actions, citing the need for a lasting solution to the crisis in Rivers State.
The governor’s decision is likely to be seen as a significant endorsement of Tinubu’s handling of the situation, and may influence the opinions of other stakeholders in the region.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Okpebholo’s fellow governors will respond to his decision.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been a highly contentious issue, with many stakeholders expressing concerns about the potential implications for democracy and the rule of law.
However, Okpebholo’s decision to support the declaration suggests that there may be more nuance to the situation than initially meets the eye.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the politics of the region are becoming increasingly complex.
The implications of Okpebholo’s decision are likely to be far-reaching, and may have significant consequences for the future of the South-South Governors’ Forum.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the politics of the region are about to become even more interesting.