Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers, Calls It “Reckless and Unconstitutional”

 

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it reckless, unconstitutional, and a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.

Obi’s reaction follows the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months by the President.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Obi accused Tinubu of overreaching his powers, stating that the unilateral removal of an elected governor violates the 1999 Constitution and undermines the country’s democratic progress.

"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, undoing the progress we have made in our 26 years of democracy.”

He further argued that the political crisis in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme measure, warning that the move resembles a “backdoor imposition of martial rule” on a key part of the federation.

"A state of emergency does not mean an elected Governor can be removed unilaterally. This action is an unconstitutional overreach that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If unchecked, it will foster a culture of impunity.”

Obi urged the National Assembly and key stakeholders to reject the President’s decision, emphasizing that it would only deepen Nigeria’s governance crisis and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

He concluded with his signature call for good governance, stating:

"A new Nigeria is POssible!"