Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers, Calls It ‘Unconstitutional and Reckless’
LAGOS— Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has fiercely criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling the move “unconstitutional and reckless.” Obi accused the administration of violating democratic principles and undermining the rule of law.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday via his official X handle, Obi argued that the declaration was a deliberate attempt to exert authoritarian control over the state, thereby setting a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a calculated attempt to push Nigeria back into lawlessness, undoing 26 years of democratic progress,” Obi stated. “This act is an indirect imposition of martial law under the guise of governance, with grave implications for democracy and civil liberties.”
Political Overreach and Constitutional Violations
Obi contended that the political climate in Rivers State does not warrant emergency rule, nor does it justify the suspension of Governor Siminlayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislators. He described the move as a gross misinterpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared.
“A state of emergency does not grant the president the unilateral power to remove an elected governor,” Obi emphasized. “This decision not only lacks constitutional backing but also sets a troubling precedent where political interests override democratic norms and good governance.”
Threat to Democracy and Rule of Law
The former Anambra governor warned that Tinubu’s decision, if left unchecked, could erode democratic values and normalize political impunity. He noted that Nigeria’s electoral process is already tainted by controversies over rigging and non-adherence to legal standards, and this latest move further threatens the nation’s stability.
“By arbitrarily dismissing elected officials, we risk plunging Nigeria into a state of anarchy,” Obi warned. “The National Assembly and all stakeholders must act swiftly to prevent this abuse of power, as allowing it to stand will deepen the culture of impunity and set a precedent for further authoritarian tendencies.”
Call for Legislative and Civic Intervention
Obi urged the National Assembly to reject the emergency rule and defend democratic principles. He also called on civil society organizations, the judiciary, and the Nigerian people to resist any attempt to subvert constitutional governance.
“This is not just about Rivers State; it is about the future of democracy in Nigeria. We must not allow a dangerous precedent that could be replicated in other states under political pretexts,” he concluded.
As controversy over the emergency rule escalates, political observers and legal experts are weighing in on its constitutionality, with growing calls for a judicial review of Tinubu’s decision. Meanwhile, the residents of Rivers State remain on edge, uncertain about the implications of this drastic action on their governance and civil liberties.
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Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers, Calls It ‘Unconstitutional and Reckless’