Edo Governor Okpebholo Breaks Ranks: Supports Tinubu’s Emergency Rule, Rejects South-South Governors’ Stance

A Political Earthquake in the South-South: Okpebholo Charts His Own Course

In a decisive move that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has openly rejected the collective stance of the South-South Governors’ Forum regarding President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration in Rivers State.

This bold political divergence underscores deep fractures within the regional leadership, setting the stage for a new power dynamic in the South-South.

Why Did Okpebholo Distance Himself?

Governor Okpebholo’s decision to dissociate himself from the Forum’s opposition to emergency rule in Rivers State was not made lightly. In an official statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo made it clear that he was neither consulted nor aligned with the South-South governors' collective position.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other governors in the South-South geopolitical zone to take a position. However, he dissociates himself from any statement that opposes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.”
— Official Statement from Edo State Government

His decision underscores a strategic shift, prioritizing national stability over regional alliances.

What Led to the State of Emergency in Rivers State?

President Tinubu’s March 18, 2025 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was triggered by escalating political instability and security threats. The situation had deteriorated, with tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration and opposition forces reaching a boiling point.

Key Actions Taken Under Emergency Rule:

• Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, were suspended.
• The Rivers State House of Assembly was dissolved.
• Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.) was appointed as the administrator of the state.
• Law enforcement and military presence were significantly increased to restore order.

The Federal Government justified the move by citing a national security risk and the need to protect lives and property in Rivers State.

The South-South Governors’ Forum, led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, strongly criticized the emergency declaration. They questioned whether constitutional requirements under Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution had been met.

"While the President has the constitutional authority to impose a state of emergency, we believe the situation in Rivers State does not meet the required threshold."
— South-South Governors' Forum Statement

The governors’ pushback was framed as a defense of democracy, but Okpebholo’s refusal to align suggests a deeper political and ideological divide within the region.

Unlike his peers, Governor Okpebholo has thrown his full support behind President Tinubu’s intervention. He expressed trust in the President’s judgment and emphasized the importance of stability over political maneuvering.

"President Tinubu understands the weight of his decision. My priority is ensuring security, order, and economic stability in our region. The emergency rule is necessary to protect Rivers State and the South-South from further instability."
— Governor Monday Okpebholo

This stance aligns with his pro-Federal Government approach, signaling a potential shift in alliances ahead of future political realignments.

Governor Okpebholo is not alone in his position. Cross River State’s Acting Governor, Peter Odey, also distanced himself from the South-South Governors’ stance, stating that he was not consulted before the Forum released its opposition.

"I was neither consulted nor my opinion sought. National security takes precedence over political sentiments."
— Acting Governor Peter Odey, Cross River State

With two key governors refusing to stand with their regional colleagues, the South-South bloc appears fractured, raising questions about future cooperation within the region.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Political Landscape

This public disagreement among the South-South governors has far-reaching implications:

1. Weakening Regional Alliances – The unity of the South-South Governors’ Forum is now in question.
2. Strengthened Federal Influence – Tinubu’s administration appears to have gained new regional allies.
3. Political Realignments Ahead of 2027 Elections – The battle lines for future elections are already shifting, with some governors choosing Federal loyalty over regional solidarity.

The Nigerian political space has reacted in diverse ways to this development:

• Supporters of Tinubu have praised Okpebholo’s independent thinking, calling it a bold and patriotic move.
• Opposition groups argue that emergency rule could set a dangerous precedent for future political conflicts.
• Legal experts remain divided, with some saying the constitutional basis for emergency rule is tenuous, while others argue that security concerns justify the action.

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s bold decision to back emergency rule in Rivers State, against the collective stance of South-South governors, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape.

This development highlights:

• A growing divide between regional and national leadership.
• The prioritization of security and stability over political alliances.
• A potential shift in political loyalties ahead of Nigeria’s next election cycle.

As Nigeria watches the fallout from this decision, one thing is clear—Governor Okpebholo is not afraid to chart his own path, no matter the political cost.