In a significant development that has stirred political discourse across Nigeria, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has finally broken its silence regarding the controversial suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The statement, released on March 22, 2025, comes in response to mounting pressure from the public and media seeking clarity on the Forum’s stance following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move, which resulted in the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has sparked widespread debate about governance, democracy, and federal overreach.
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The NGF’s Official Position
The NGF, a coalition representing the 36 state governors of Nigeria, issued a statement titled “NGF Clarifies Silence on Political Matters,” signed by its Director-General, Abdulateef Shittu. The Forum emphasized that its primary role is to serve as a neutral, policy-driven body focused on fostering collaboration among governors for the socioeconomic development of the country. “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has received media inquiries requesting its position on recent political events in the country,” the statement began, acknowledging the public’s demand for a response.
Rather than taking a definitive stance on the suspension, the NGF explained that commenting on partisan political issues could jeopardize its unity. The Forum comprises governors from various political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others. Shittu noted that past political disputes within the NGF had threatened its cohesion, prompting a deliberate decision to avoid entanglement in contentious matters like the Rivers crisis. “Taking a stance on partisan issues could create divisions among our members, who represent different political affiliations,” he stated.
Despite its neutrality, the NGF reassured Nigerians of its commitment to addressing governance challenges that impact economic progress and public welfare. “The Forum has consistently taken strong positions on key governance and policy matters, such as wages, taxation, education, and universal healthcare,” Shittu added, signaling that its focus remains on broader national priorities rather than isolated political conflicts.
Background: The Rivers State Crisis
The NGF’s statement follows a dramatic escalation in Rivers State’s political landscape. For nearly two years, a bitter power struggle has unfolded between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The feud, rooted in a battle for control over the state’s political machinery, has led to a governance deadlock, with factions of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligning with either Fubara or Wike. The crisis reached a boiling point when President Tinubu intervened on March 18, 2025, declaring a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast cited the need to stabilize Rivers State, a critical hub for Nigeria’s oil industry, amid concerns over security and governance. The declaration resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly, with Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state for six months. The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, legal experts, and civil society groups, who argue it undermines democratic principles and state autonomy.
Mixed Reactions and Political Implications
The NGF’s decision to remain neutral has elicited varied responses. Some view it as a pragmatic approach to preserve unity among governors, while others see it as a refusal to confront an alleged abuse of power by the federal government. Posts on X reflect this divide, with some users suggesting that the silence of APC-led governors within the NGF indicates tacit opposition to Tinubu’s actions, while others criticize the Forum for dodging a critical issue affecting one of its own.
The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has been more vocal, condemning Fubara’s suspension as a “grievous mistake” and calling for its immediate reversal. Meanwhile, 12 PDP governors, including Oyo State’s Seyi Makinde, have vowed to challenge the suspension in court, arguing that it violates democratic norms. This contrast highlights the NGF’s delicate balancing act as a bipartisan entity.
Why the Silence Matters
The NGF’s reluctance to take a position underscores the broader political tensions in Nigeria as of March 23, 2025. Rivers State’s strategic importance—both economically and politically—means that any resolution or escalation of the crisis could have national repercussions. The Forum’s silence may also reflect uncertainty about the legal and political fallout of Tinubu’s emergency declaration, which some experts argue lacks constitutional grounding unless accompanied by clear evidence of a breakdown in law and order.
For now, the NGF appears intent on maintaining its role as a unifying force rather than a battleground for partisan disputes. However, its statement has done little to quell the growing unrest among Nigerians who see the Rivers situation as a test of the country’s democratic resilience.
Looking Ahead
As legal battles loom and public discontent simmers, the NGF’s neutrality may be tested further. The Forum’s emphasis on governance over politics could either solidify its credibility as a stabilizing force or fuel perceptions of inaction in the face of a constitutional crisis. For updates on this developing story, readers can refer to the original coverage by Gists9ja on March 22, 2025.
What are your thoughts on the NGF’s stance? Should it take a stronger position, or is its neutrality justified? Share your views below!
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