Photo: Mr. Peter Obi
Mathew Amaechi
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has vehemently opposed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, removing Governor Sim Fubara from office. Obi described the move as “unconstitutional,” “reckless,” and a “clear attempt to return us to a state of dictatorship.
According to Obi, the President’s actions undermine democracy, disregard the rule of law, and threaten the progress made in Nigeria’s 26-year democratic journey. He emphasized that a state of emergency does not grant the President the power to unilaterally remove an elected governor.
Obi’s concerns are echoed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, who have also rejected the state of emergency declaration. They argue that the President’s decision is an attack on democracy, posing a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also weighed in, stating that the declaration of emergency rule must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits. The NBA president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, affirmed the association’s commitment to upholding the constitution and defending democratic governance.
As the controversy surrounding the state of emergency in Rivers State continues to unfold, Obi has appealed to the National Assembly and all stakeholders to intervene, warning that if left unchecked, the President’s actions could foster a culture of impunity and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
