Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 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) handle, Obi described Tinubu’s action as unconstitutional and reckless, warning that it undermines Nigeria’s democracy.
“The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless.
“It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, undoing the progress we have made in 26 years of democracy.
“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, adding that the move wrongly interprets Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to tighten its grip on power at all costs.
“It is a backdoor imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation, with all the negative implications.
“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.”
Obi warned that the action sets 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 witnessed issues of electoral manipulation and massive rigging, adding the arbitrary removal of elected officials will push us towards anarchy.”
He called on the National Assembly and other stakeholders to resist the move, emphasizing that it could further damage Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
Tinubu’s Declaration Sparks Reactions
President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the prolonged political crisis.
As part of the decision, he suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members for six months. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state administrator for the first six months.
Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, described it as a political manipulation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the PDP Governors’ Forum also rejected the move, condemning it as unconstitutional.
The situation in Rivers State remains tense as stakeholders react to the federal government’s intervention.
