The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has stated that it cannot take a stance on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing its role in fostering unified policies and driving sustainable socioeconomic growth. In a statement on Saturday, NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu emphasized that taking sides on divisive partisan matters, regardless of the framing, reflects a flawed grasp of history. Rivers State has faced political turmoil for nearly two years, with former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, locked in a power struggle that has stalled governance. In response, Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state House of Assembly members for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator. The NGF urged the public and media to exercise patience, expressing confidence that appropriate platforms and crisis management efforts would resolve the situation. It stated, “The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people. “As a technical and policy hub comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests. “In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history —just a few years after the Forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members. “Regardless, the Forum is reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare, among others.”