The Cross River State Government has reiterated its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to restore order amid escalating unrest in Rivers State with the declaration of a State of Emergency.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the press secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Mr. Fred Abua indicating that the Cross River State Government “dissociates itself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s reservations regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.”
The statement further said that the Acting Governor, Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive.
“The forum, comprising governors from Nigeria’s south-south geopolitical zone, had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration. However, the Acting Governor, Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement.”
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Mr Abua also noted that the Acting Governor had described the decision of President Tinubu as “a necessary step taken in the best interest of national security, peace and stability. Every responsible government must prioritise the protection of lives and property and where circumstances necessitate decisive action; such measures must be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.”
According to Abua, the Cross River State acting governor also reiterated the government’s commitment to constitutional governance and collaboration with the Nigerian Government to address security challenges.
He emphasized that the forum’s position does not reflect the views of the Cross River State Government since there was no prior consultation.
He also noted that the acting governor’s call for unity, stating that “Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Government in ensuring peace, security and stability across the country.”
Emmanuel Ukoh
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