Obi To Tinubu On Rivers Emergency Rule: Your Action Threatens Democracy, Reckless

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, has joined other prominent Nigerians who have condemned the declaration  of Emergency Rule in Rivers state, saying the president abused his powers under the constitution.

The former LP presidential candidate called on the National Assembly to reject the president’s action, which he also described to be reckless.

Following his Tuesday’s declaration of Emergency Rule in the oil bearing state, citing security risks, President Tinubu had written the National Assembly to approve his action which he said is necessary to avert further breakdown of law and order  restive state.

But in a remark on his verified X handle on Wednesday, the former Anambra state governor said the president’s action is against constitutional democracy and good governance, capable of plunging the country “back into a state of lawlessness”, adding that the president has ‘trampled’ on democracy by his action.

He stressed that the unilateral suspension of Governor Siminalaye Fubara and the state House of Assembly is unconstitutional, noting that the president lacked the power to remove an elected governor.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu, had after suspending Governor Fubara appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval staff, as the state Administrator for six months with approval from the National Assembly.

The former governor however said the president was dead wrong to have carried out the action, urging the National Assembly to do what is right  by throwing out the presidents request.

”The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless,’ Obi said.

“It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, undoing the progress we have made over 26 years of democratic governance.

He added, “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 tighten his grip on power at all costs.

“The situation does not justify such an extreme measure, and it is a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“A state of emergency does not grant the President the power to unilaterally remove an elected Governor. This action goes against democratic norms and good governance.

“Instead, it appears to be a predetermined move serving specific interests rather than the collective good of Rivers State and Nigeria.

“This unconstitutional overreach sets a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If left unchecked, it will entrench impunity in our political system.

“Having already struggled with electoral irregularities, non-adherence to qualification rules, and massive rigging, adding the arbitrary removal of elected officials will push us closer to lawlessness and anarchy.

“I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders to resist this development. Allowing it to stand will only deepen the existing culture of impunity and brigandage that threatens our democracy.”