Obi Condemns Unconstitutional Removal of Rivers Governor, Warns of Threat to Democracy

 

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s unilateral decision to remove Rivers State Governor Sir Similaya Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislators.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, claiming the move was necessary to restore constitutional order. He accused Governor Fubara of numerous constitutional violations during his tenure. Tinubu also appointed Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas (rtd), a former Chief of Naval Staff from Cross River State, as Sole Administrator of Rivers State for an initial six-month period, directing the immediate implementation of emergency rule.

Reacting to the president’s actions, Obi took to his verified X-handle to condemn the removal, labeling it unconstitutional and reckless. The former Anambra State governor warned that such an act posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy, undermining the rule of law and setting a dangerous precedent for governance.

Obi argued that this decision marked a regression into lawlessness, undoing the democratic progress achieved over the last 26 years. He accused President Tinubu of showing a “dangerous willingness to trample on democracy,” asserting that the president bypassed constitutional procedures and arbitrarily declared 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 regress to a state of nature and tighten the government’s grip on power at all costs. This move is a backdoor imposition of martial law in a vital part of the country, which poses serious risks to Nigeria’s democracy,” Obi stated.

He emphasized that the decision represented a misinterpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared. According to Obi, the constitution does not grant the president the authority to remove a sitting governor unilaterally, calling the move a violation of democratic norms and good governance.

“This decision does not adhere to democratic principles. It seems more like a predetermined action serving certain interests, rather than the well-being of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole,” Obi remarked.

The former presidential candidate urged the National Assembly and all relevant stakeholders to block the declaration, stressing that it would only deepen the culture of impunity already endangering Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that if allowed to stand, this action would foster a culture of lawlessness and impunity, exacerbating existing issues such as electoral malpractice, disregard for due process, and widespread electoral rigging.

Obi cautioned that the arbitrary removal of elected officials would destabilize the country further and lead to increased anarchy. He called on the National Assembly and all democratic forces to resist the move, warning that failure to do so would entrench impunity and political violence in Nigeria’s political landscape.