Peter Obi Condemns State of Emergency in Rivers, urges NASS to reject Tinubu’s decision

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an unconstitutional and reckless move that undermines democracy.

In a statement released on Wednesday via his X handle, Obi accused Tinubu of disregarding the rule of law and attempting to tighten his grip on power at the expense of democratic principles.

“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 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.

Obi stated that the political crisis in Rivers State does not justify the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers. He described the action as a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent.

“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,” he stated.

The former Anambra governor further cautioned that if unconstitutional removals of elected officials go unchecked, it could lead Nigeria into anarchy.

Obi, therefore, called on the National Assembly and other stakeholders to reject the emergency rule, emphasizing that allowing it to stand would deepen impunity and threaten Nigeria’s democratic system.

Full Statement Reads;

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 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.

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!

-PO