The 2023 Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional and reckless move.
Obi urged the National Assembly to intervene by withholding legislative support for what he described as an abuse of executive power.
In a tweet on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi criticized the President’s decision and the subsequent removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that such actions could foster a dangerous culture of impunity and weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
He stated, **”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 over 26 years of democratic governance.
“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.
“A new Nigeria is possible.”
Obi’s statement adds to the growing criticism of Tinubu’s decision, as political leaders, civil society groups, and legal experts debate its implications for governance and constitutional democracy.
[Vanguard]
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