Valentine Obienyem
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s unilateral removal of Rivers State Governor Similaya Fubara, describing it as unconstitutional and reckless. In a statement issued rehearsed in his X handle warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democracy, undermine the rule of law, and set a dangerous precedent for governance.
According to Obi, the decision has plunged the country back into lawlessness, undoing the democratic progress made over the past 26 years. He accused the President of displaying a “dangerous willingness to trample on democracy” by bypassing constitutional processes and arbitrarily declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
“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 the government’s grip on power at all costs,” Obi stated.
He further described the action as a “degrading backdoor imposition of martial rule” on a key part of the country, warning that such an approach has serious implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi also argued that the decision represents a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared. He pointed out that the provision does not grant the President the power to unilaterally remove a sitting governor, emphasising that such a move is in direct violation of democratic norms and good governance.
“This decision does not align with democratic principles. Instead, it appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria,” he said.
Obi warned that if this action is allowed to stand, it will breed a culture of impunity and lawlessness. He expressed concern that Nigeria is already grappling with widespread electoral malpractice, disregard for due process, and massive rigging, and that the arbitrary removal of elected officials would only push the country further into instability and anarchy.
He, therefore, called on the National Assembly and all democratic stakeholders to resist the move, stating that failure to do so would further entrench impunity and political brigandage in the country.
“I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity already threatening our democracy,” Obi declared.
