In a bold and unequivocal statement, Peter Obi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly. Obi described the President’s actions as unconstitutional and a severe threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
President Tinubu announced the state of emergency during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, citing a prolonged political crisis that has crippled governance and threatened security in the oil-rich region. The suspension is set to last for six months, during which Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
Reacting to this development, Peter Obi issued a statement highlighting the gravity of the President’s decision:
> “The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi 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.”
Obi further emphasized that the President’s actions undermine the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent:
> “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.”
He also pointed out that the political situation in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme measure and criticized the biased interpretation of the constitution:
> “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.”
Obi warned that this action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, threatening democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers:
> “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.”
He called on the National Assembly and all stakeholders to intervene:
> “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.”
Peter Obi concluded his statement with a message of hope:
> “A new Nigeria is POssible!”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also weighed in on the issue, stating that President Tinubu lacks the constitutional powers to remove any elected governor.
