Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi, said the “unilateral decision” of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State from office will lead to lawlessness.
Obi in a statement on his X platform, described the dismantling of democratic institutions in Rivers State as “not only unconstitutional but also reckless,” and “hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.”
He stated that by disregarding the rule of law, Tinubu has trampled on democracy. “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 its grip on power at all costs,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor said the situation in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme measure, and described the president’s interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution as biased.
He said: “A state of emergency does not mean an elected governor can be removed unilaterally. “This decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance. Instead, it appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.”
Obi said Tinubu’s action is “unconstitutional overreach,’ and warned that it is setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.
