Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi described the move as “reckless,” “unconstitutional,” and a dangerous regression into lawlessness.
“The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara 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,” Obi declared.
The former governor further warned that by bypassing constitutional processes, Tinubu was trampling on democracy and setting Nigeria on a dangerous path.
“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 his 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 stated.
Obi questioned the justification for such an extreme measure, arguing that the political tension in Rivers State does not meet the threshold for emergency rule as outlined in Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
He stressed that a state of emergency does not empower the President to unilaterally remove an elected governor, calling the decision a “biased interpretation” of the law.
“This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If left unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity,” Obi warned.
The former presidential candidate urged the National Assembly and all democratic institutions to reject Tinubu’s action, stressing that allowing such impunity to stand would further erode Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigandage already threatening our democracy,” Obi concluded.
He ended his statement with his signature call for national renewal: “A new Nigeria is POssible!”
Read Obi’s statement in full below:
The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Similaya Fubara of Rivers State from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless.
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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.
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.
It is a degrading back door imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives .
The political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, and it is also a biased interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.
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.
This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If left unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity.
Having already been grappling with non-adherence to electoral qualifications, rules, and massive rigging, adding arbitrary removal of elected officials will push us to a state of nature and anarchy.
I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigand already threatening our democracy.
A new Nigeria is POssible!
-PO