Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State, describing the action as unconstitutional and reckless.
In a statement issued on his X handle, Mr Obi warned that the move threatens Nigeria’s democracy, undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for governance. He accused President Tinubu 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,” he stated.
Obi 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 emphasised that the provision does not grant the president the power to unilaterally remove a sitting governor and 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.
He expressed concern that the removal of elected officials would push Nigeria further into instability and anarchy.
He 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 stated.
