In a press statement, Peter Obi criticized President Bola Tinubu for his decision to remove Governor Similaya Fubara from office in Rivers State. Obi described this decision as not only unconstitutional but also reckless. He stated it has thrown the state back into lawlessness, reversing the progress made in Nigeria’s 26 years of democratic governance.
Obi emphasized that by disregarding the rule of law, President Tinubu has shown a willingness to undermine democracy. He called the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State a reckless move that seeks to restore control at all costs, suggesting it amounts to a backdoor imposition of martial rule in an important part of the country.
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He argued that the political situation in Rivers does not warrant such drastic measures and pointed out the flawed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. According to him, declaring a state of emergency does not give the President the right to unilaterally remove an elected Governor. Instead, this action appears to serve specific interests instead of the welfare of the people in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
Obi warned that this unconstitutional overreach poses a dangerous precedent, threatening democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. He expressed concern that if this trend continues, it could lead to a culture of impunity.
Highlighting the ongoing issues of electoral violations and massive rigging, he asserted that the arbitrary removal of elected officials could push the state toward anarchy.
Obi urged the National Assembly and all stakeholders to oppose this move, stating that allowing it would deepen the existing culture of impunity and lawlessness that threatens Nigerian democracy.
“A new Nigeria is possible!” he concluded, emphasizing the need for unity and action to protect democratic principles.
