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| Peter Obi |
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Obi described the move as “reckless” and warned that it could foster a culture of impunity, threatening Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
He urged the National Assembly to intervene and halt this action, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent by unilaterally removing elected officials, which undermines democratic norms and the rule of law.
In a press release signed by Ibrahim Umar, who’s the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) spokesman Obi emphasized that such actions could plunge the country into chaos and anarchy.
Writing in his X handle on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Obi said, "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.
He wrote further: "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,” he concluded.
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