Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, has backed the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State and suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu.

According to Uzodimma, the President’s action was a proactive step necessary to prevent a looming crisis in the oil-rich state.

The Governor stated this when he addressed journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Thursday, emphasising the significance of Rivers State to the Nigeria’s economic survival, particularly in crude oil production.

Uzodimma noted that the ongoing political tensions and refusal of key players 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, insistibg 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, such unrest cannot be tolerated.

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.

DAILY POST reported that Tinubu declared state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesdsy, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu and all elected officials from the state for six months

Both chambers, on Thursday, approved the President’s declaration despite oppositions.