The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has distanced itself from the political crisis in Rivers State, declining to take a position on President Bola Tinubu’s recent state of emergency declaration.
In a statement on Saturday, NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu reaffirmed that the forum’s primary mandate is fostering policy collaboration among governors, not engaging in partisan disputes.
He cautioned that taking sides in politically sensitive matters could jeopardize the unity of the forum.
Rivers State has been embroiled in a prolonged political battle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, resulting in governance paralysis.
To address the turmoil, Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, suspending Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly for six months. He installed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
In response, the NGF urged patience, assuring that institutional mechanisms exist to resolve such crises.
“The Forum is a nonpartisan assembly committed to formulating shared policy strategies and engaging with relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable development and citizen welfare,” the statement emphasized.
The NGF reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for major governance issues such as taxation, wages, education, and healthcare but maintained its stance of neutrality on divisive political matters that could disrupt its cohesion.