Obi also called on members of the National Assembly to halt what he described as ‘Impunity’
By Kehinde Okeowo
Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the president on Tuesday night declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Similaya Fubara, his deputy and state lawmakers for six months following a prolonged political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Reacting to the development on Wednesday via his X handle, Obi said the action is reckless and capable of fostering a culture of Impunity that can undermine our democracy.
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He tweeted, “The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Similaya 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. 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.
“The situation does not justify such an extreme measure, and it’s 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.
“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.
“I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigand already threatening our democracy.
A new Nigeria is possible!”
