Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as unconstitutional and reckless.
Obi, in a statement shared via his official X handle, expressed deep concern over what he termed as a dangerous precedent capable of threatening Nigeria’s democratic foundation.
Reacting to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state legislature for six months, Obi stated that the President had overstepped the limits of his constitutional powers.
He argued that such unilateral action undermines democratic institutions and signals a worrying slide toward authoritarian rule.
“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, undoing the progress we’ve made in over two decades of democratic governance,” Obi said.
According to him, the current political situation in Rivers does not warrant such an extreme measure, and the invocation of a state of emergency under Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution is a misinterpretation aimed at tightening control over the region.
He further argued that the declaration amounts to an “imposition of martial rule” and reflects a disregard for democratic principles, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.
“This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that could foster a culture of impunity,” Obi warned.
He called on the National Assembly and all relevant stakeholders to reject the move, stressing that it was not in the best interest of Nigerians and could further weaken public trust in the country’s democratic process.
“As a nation already grappling with issues of electoral malpractice and political manipulation, such arbitrary actions only push us closer to instability and anarchy,” he added.
Obi concluded with a renewed call for democratic accountability, urging leaders to prioritize the collective good of the nation above partisan interests, while reaffirming his belief that “a new Nigeria is POssible.”