Unconstitutional and Reckless’ – Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu’s Emergency Rule Move in Rivers

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election Peter Obi has faulted President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Obi in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle described the president’s decision as ‘unconstitutional and reckless’.

He 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.

“By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.”

The former Anambra state governor further noted that the political situation in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure which is a biased interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

“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.

“It is a degrading back door imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives .

“The political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, and it is 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.

Obi appealed 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.

Following the protracted political cirisis in Rivers State, President Tinubu during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in the State suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy Ngozi Odu; and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.

He president nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the first six months.

President Tinubu’s declaration has been met with different reactions from the  presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar who described it as a political manipulation.

The PDP as well as the PDP Governors Forum also faulted the President’s decision.