By FORMER presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional and dangerous precedent that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi criticised Tinubu’s alleged unilateral decision to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as an “unlawful overreach” that undermines the progress made since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.
President Bola Tinubu
“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,” Obi stated.
He further argued that the political situation in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, adding that Tinubu’s actions misinterpret Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara
“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,” he said.
Obi warned that allowing such actions to stand could foster a culture of impunity and lawlessness.
Peter Obi
“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 urged.
The Labour Party leader’s statement adds to growing criticism of the federal government’s intervention in Rivers, with many calling for a constitutional resolution to the crisis.
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