By Abiola Olawale
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Tuesday declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it as both “unconstitutional” and “reckless.”
Obi, a two-term Governor of Anambra State governor made his stance known in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, arguing that the move undermines Nigeria’s democratic progress and flouts the rule of law.
Obi’s comments is coming in response to Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, during which he announced the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for a period of six months.
The declaration is coming amidst prolonged escalating political crisis in the state, which has seen soaring tensions between rival factions.
Tinubu had justified the emergency rule as a necessary measure to restore order.
However, Obi contended that the decision lacks legal grounding and sets a dangerous precedent.
Obi stated: “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. By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.”
Obi further argued that the political situation in Rivers State does not meet the threshold required for such an extreme measure under Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which governs the declaration of a state of emergency.
He described the action as an overreach of executive power and a “biased interpretation” of constitutional provisions, warning that it could erode the separation of powers and foster a culture of impunity if left unchallenged.
“This declaration is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to tighten its grip on power at all costs. It is a degrading backdoor imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives,”‘ he added.
