Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi labeled the move as both “unconstitutional” and “reckless,” warning that it threatens Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Obi: Tinubu’s Decision Undermines Democracy
Obi expressed concern over the president’s unilateral decision to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office, arguing that such an action is a direct assault on democratic principles.
“The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless,” Obi stated.
He further warned that this act plunges the nation back into lawlessness, reversing 26 years of democratic progress.
“By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy,” he added.
No Justification for State of Emergency
Obi argued that the political situation in Rivers does not warrant such extreme measures. He described Tinubu’s interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution as biased and unjustified.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to return us to a state of nature and tighten its grip on power at all costs.
“It is a degrading backdoor imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives.
“The political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, and it is also a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
“A state of emergency does not mean an elected governor can be removed unilaterally. This decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance. Instead, it appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.”
A Dangerous Precedent for Nigeria’s Democracy
Obi further warned that allowing such an unconstitutional overreach could set a dangerous precedent, eroding democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.
“This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If left unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity.
“Having already been grappling with non-adherence to electoral qualifications, rules, and massive rigging, adding arbitrary removal of elected officials will push us to a state of nature and anarchy.”
Obi Calls on the National Assembly to Intervene
Obi urged the National Assembly and all relevant stakeholders to reject Tinubu’s decision, arguing that it deepens the culture of impunity already threatening Nigeria’s democracy.
Mixed Reactions to Tinubu’s Decision
President Tinubu’s declaration has sparked widespread reactions across the political spectrum.
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described the move as political manipulation. The PDP and the PDP Governors Forum have also strongly condemned the decision.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has backed Tinubu’s declaration, blaming the suspended governor for what they described as his “despotic and tyrannical actions.”
Tinubu’s decision, which includes suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for six months, remains a highly contentious issue, raising concerns about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
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