Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “unconstitutional, reckless, and a dangerous overreach of power.”
In a post on X, Obi criticized the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers for six months, stating that the move undermines Nigeria’s 26 years of democratic progress. He described the decision as a “backdoor imposition of martial rule” and a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
Obi argued that the political situation in Rivers does not justify such extreme measures, emphasizing that a state of emergency does not permit the unilateral removal of an elected governor. He warned that the action sets a dangerous precedent, threatening democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.
Calling on the National Assembly and stakeholders to reject the declaration, Obi stressed that allowing it to stand would deepen a culture of impunity and push Nigeria toward anarchy. He reaffirmed his belief in the possibility of a new Nigeria, urging leaders to prioritize democratic norms and good governance.
