Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi described the President’s decision as unconstitutional and reckless.
“The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless.
“It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.
“By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.”
Obi argued that the political crisis in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme measure and accused Tinubu of misinterpreting Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution for political purposes.
“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.”
The former Anambra governor warned that the decision threatens the country’s 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 called on the National Assembly and other stakeholders to reject the move, warning that it could deepen the culture of impunity already threatening Nigeria’s democracy.
Following the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in the state.
He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months.
The President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, described it as a political manipulation.
The PDP and the PDP Governors Forum have also rejected the move, joining the growing opposition to what they see as an unconstitutional power grab.
