C’River govt backs Fubara’s removal, disowns S’South govs position

Cross River State government has commended the federal government for removing Sir Sim Fubara as governor of Rivers State two days ago.

It blamed other South-South governors who faulted President Bola Tinubu for the action, criticizing them for not consulting the Cross River State acting governor, Dr Peter Odey, before taking a position on the matter.

Apart from Cross River and Edo States, the other four states in the region are opposition party, PDP-controlled states.

Odey issued a statement Friday morning, signed by his press secretary, Fred Abua, commending Tinubu’s decision, saying it is to restore order, amid escalating unrest in Rivers State.

“The Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted by the South South Governors’ Forum nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive,” he said.

The forum had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration.

Odey issued a statement Friday morning, signed by his press secretary, Fred Abua, commending Tinubu’s decision, saying it is to restore order, amid escalating unrest in Rivers State.

“The Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted by the South South Governors’ Forum nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive,” he said.

The forum had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration.

Criticizing the Forum’s position, Odey said “It does not reflect the views of the Cross River State Government,” citing the lack of prior consultation as a critical factor.