Rivers Deputy Governor Clarifies Position Following Rumours of Resignation

The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has dismissed reports suggesting she has resigned from office.

In a statement issued on Friday by her Special Assistant on Communication and ICT, Amirize Michael, Prof. Odu described the claims as “false” and the handiwork of “naysayers.”

She urged the public to ignore what she termed misinformation being peddled by unverified sources.

“We’ve noticed that some naysayers are spreading false information on social media regarding the resignation of Her Excellency Professor Ngozi Nma Odu DSSRS, Deputy Governor of Rivers State. We urge the public to disregard these baseless claims from unverified sources,” the statement said.

“Professor Odu remains the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and to His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS,” it added.

Reiterating the Deputy Governor’s stance during a telephone interview, Head of the Press Unit, Owepele Benibo, confirmed that Prof. Odu has no intention of stepping down, especially as reconciliation efforts are gaining momentum.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18. The emergency order led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly. A sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), was appointed to oversee governance in the state for an initial period of six months.

President Tinubu’s intervention followed months of political tension and confrontation between Governor Fubara and FCT Minister Wike.