The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has stirred considerable debate and varying reactions across Nigeria, particularly within the South-South region. Peter Odey, the acting governor of Cross River State, has publicly distanced his state from the South-South Governors’ Forum's stance against the emergency rule. This divergence highlights the complex political dynamics at play and the differing opinions on the necessity and implications of the federal government's intervention.

Odey, standing in for Governor Bassey Otu, who is on annual leave, asserted that Cross River State does not align with the forum's position, emphasizing that his opinion was not sought before the forum released its statement. According to a statement issued by his press secretary, Fred Abua, Odey “fully aligns” with President Tinubu's decision, viewing it as being in the “best interest of national security, peace, and stability.” He further stated that responsible governance requires prioritizing the protection of lives and property, and that decisive action should be supported for the greater good of democracy and national unity.

This stance contrasts sharply with the initial reaction from the South-South Governors’ Forum, which had called on President Tinubu to reverse the emergency rule. Tinubu's proclamation included the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for six months. Additionally, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator for Rivers State. These actions followed a period of prolonged political crisis and alleged vandalization of oil installations in the state.

Notably, Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, had previously dissociated himself from the South-South governors' position, suggesting that Tinubu’s decision would foster lasting peace in Rivers State. Both Cross River and Edo states are governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the other South-South states—Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa—are governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding another layer of complexity to the regional response.

Adding to the discourse, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECA), a civil society organization, has commended President Tinubu for declaring the emergency rule. NADECA, through its president Chukwuma Eze, stated that Tinubu acted in the “best interest” of democracy and national stability. The coalition believes that the state of emergency is critical to reset the governance structure in Rivers State and prevent a total breakdown of law and order. NADECA also lauded the national assembly for ratifying the move, acknowledging the roles of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in upholding constitutional order.

The coalition condemned critics of the president’s decision, arguing that without such intervention, the crisis in Rivers State could have escalated beyond control. They called on all stakeholders to support the President's efforts to stabilize the state and restore effective governance.

These diverging viewpoints underscore the intricate political landscape and the high stakes involved in the intervention in Rivers State. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether these measures will indeed lead to lasting peace and stability, or further exacerbate existing tensions.