Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “unconstitutional and reckless.”
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi criticized Tinubu’s unilateral removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that the move undermines democracy and the rule of law.
“The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not only unconstitutional but also reckless. It plunges us back into a state of lawlessness, undoing the progress we have made in 26 years of democracy.”
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Obi: ‘Rivers Crisis Does Not Warrant Extreme Measures’
Obi argued that the political situation in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme measure, calling it 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 action sets a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and separation of powers.”
He further accused Tinubu’s administration of using the crisis as a pretext for political control, likening it to an imposition of martial law.
“This decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance. Instead, it appears to serve specific interests rather than the collective good of Rivers State and Nigeria.”
Obi Appeals to National Assembly
Obi called on the National Assembly and key stakeholders to resist the move, warning that allowing it to stand would deepen the culture of impunity already threatening Nigeria’s democracy.
Mixed Reactions to Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration
President Tinubu's decision has sparked wide-ranging reactions:
PDP’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, described it as “political manipulation”.
The PDP and the PDP Governors’ Forum have also rejected the declaration.
However, the Rivers State House of Assembly has backed Tinubu’s decision, blaming Governor Fubara for his “despotic and tyrannical actions.”
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What’s Next?
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on the National Assembly’s upcoming debate on the emergency rule, which could determine the future of Rivers State’s leadership.
Stay updated with Naija Blog Daily for more on the Rivers State political crisis and national developments
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