Uzodimma argued that the president’s action was a proactive step necessary to prevent a looming crisis in the oil-rich state.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, has thrown his weight behind the recent declaration of “State of Emergency” in Rivers State and the suspension of his colleague, Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu.
He made this known on Thursday while addressing journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
TheNiche had earlier reported that President Tinubu declared state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday and suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu and other elected officials from the state for six months.
Subsequently, the House of Representatives and the Senate approved the President’s declaration despite opposition on Thursday.
Reacting to the development, Uzodimma, who is the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, said the president’s action was a proactive step necessary to prevent a looming crisis in the oil-rich state.
He also emphasised the significance of Rivers State to Nigeria’s economic survival, particularly in crude oil production.
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Uzodimma noted that the ongoing political tensions and refusal of key actors to heed advisory interventions had escalated into a national security concern.
He pointed to the recent reports of pipeline bombings and explosions in the state, insisting that the country does not need to go through such destabilization at this point in time when it is striving to boost crude oil production to strengthen its currency and economy.
He said, “The President was very proactive, and his actions are highly commendable. Prevention, they say, is better than cure.
“Imagine what would have happened if the impeachment went ahead— it would have triggered actions and reactions, leading to violence and widespread unrest.”
The Governor went further to hail the National Assembly for approving President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as a step taken in the national interest.
While acknowledging that the Progressive Governors’ Forum had not yet convened since the declaration, Uzodimma assured that, as chairman, he could confidently affirm that the forum stands firmly behind the President.
“To the best of my knowledge, none of our members will go against the actions of the President. We support any decision that protects the security and stability of the country,” he concluded.
