Peter Obi Condemns Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers, Calls for Reversal

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the National Assembly to reverse the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, condemning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as “reckless and unconstitutional.”

Obi made his position known in a statement on his X account on Wednesday, following Tinubu’s announcement of the emergency measure on Tuesday.

Tinubu’s Justification for State of Emergency

President Tinubu had cited unresolved crises, a breakdown of law and order, insecurity, and an explosion as reasons for his decision.

He also suspended Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state administrator.

The move has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with critics questioning its legality and supporters arguing it was necessary to restore stability.

Obi: Tinubu’s Decision Threatens Democracy

Reacting to the development, Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, accused the President of disregarding constitutional principles and warned that the action could push the country into lawlessness.

“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 argued that the move undermined Nigeria’s 26 years of democratic progress.

“By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy,” he said.

Call for National Assembly Intervention

Obi urged the National Assembly and other stakeholders to overturn the proclamation, warning that allowing it to stand would entrench impunity in Nigeria’s governance.

“I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigandage already threatening our democracy,” he added.

As reactions continue to trail the development, all eyes remain on the National Assembly’s next move regarding the controversial state of emergency in Rivers State.