NGF Speaks Out On Rivers State Emergency: Here's What's Really Happening

Warra 03 Apr 2025

NGF Stands Firm: No Comment on Rivers State Emergency

Hey there, let's dive into what's really going on in Nigeria right now. The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) recently made it clear that it won't be taking sides on President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a straightforward statement, they reiterated their core mission: to foster unified policies and collaborate for the betterment of the nation's socioeconomic landscape. They're not here to play politics; they're here to focus on what truly matters for Nigeria's future.

On a Saturday not too long ago, the Director General of the NGF, Abdulateef Shittu, laid it all out. He emphasized that the forum's role isn't to get tangled up in divisive partisan issues. Shittu was crystal clear when he said, "Taking positions on divisive partisan issues, regardless of how it's phrased, reflects a poor understanding of history." It's like he's reminding everyone that Nigeria has been through enough drama already, and revisiting old conflicts isn't going to move the country forward.

Rivers State: A Tale of Instability

Let's backtrack a bit to understand the bigger picture. Rivers State has been in the eye of a political storm for almost two years now. It's a bitter power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. This ongoing feud hasn't just been a disagreement; it's been a full-blown governance deadlock that has left the state in limbo. This situation reached a tipping point, prompting President Tinubu to step in and declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday.

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According to Naija News, the declaration didn't come without consequences. Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly were suspended for a six-month period. In their place, Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state's affairs during this crucial period.

NGF's Message to the Public: Trust the Process

While the NGF has chosen not to comment directly on the state of emergency, they did have a message for the public and the media. They urged everyone to exercise patience and trust the crisis management measures that have been put in place. The forum believes that the appropriate platforms and measures are being utilized to address the situation in Rivers State.

In their statement, the NGF clarified its role, saying, "The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people." They're essentially saying, "We're here to bring people together, not tear them apart."

The NGF further emphasized that, as a technical and policy hub made up of governors from various political backgrounds, they are committed to staying neutral. They don't want to alienate members with differing political views. The statement highlighted this point, noting, "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."

NGF's Commitment to Governance and Development

Despite maintaining a neutral stance on the emergency declaration, the NGF is quick to remind everyone that they've never shied away from taking bold positions on critical governance and policy issues. Issues like wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare have always been at the forefront of their agenda. They've consistently advocated for policies that uplift the people of Nigeria.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the forum's dedication to collaborative efforts for the betterment of Nigeria's governance and development. They're not just talking the talk; they're walking the walk. The NGF is committed to steering the country toward a brighter, more prosperous future.