Peter Obi Denounces Tinubu's Decision to Suspend Fubara, Claiming the President's Actions Demonstrate a Dangerous Willingness to Undermine Democracy.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate for 2023, has vehemently criticized President Bola Tinubu's decision to remove Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, labeling it as unconstitutional and reckless. In a statement shared via his verified X account, Obi asserted that this action has regressed Nigeria into a state of lawlessness and jeopardized 26 years of democratic advancement. “By ignoring the rule of law, the President has demonstrated a troubling readiness to undermine democracy,” Obi remarked. He further denounced the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, contending that it is an unwarranted tactic to centralize power. “This represents a degrading and covert imposition of martial law in a crucial region of the federation,” he stated. Obi emphasized that the political climate in Rivers does not justify such a drastic measure, describing it as a skewed interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. He highlighted that a state of emergency does not grant the President the authority to unilaterally dismiss an elected governor. He cautioned that this action establishes a perilous precedent that endangers democracy, the rule of law, and the principle of separation of powers. “If this is allowed to continue, it will cultivate a culture of impunity,” he warned. “We are already facing issues of electoral malpractice and widespread rigging. The arbitrary dismissal of elected officials will lead us further into chaos.” Obi urged the National Assembly and other relevant parties to take action, calling for measures to prevent the escalation of what he termed an emerging culture of impunity and lawlessness. “A new Nigeria is achievable,” he concluded. It is important to note that President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly, citing instability in the state as the reason for his actions, which have been widely condemned across the nation. Tinubu claimed that the ongoing crisis has paralyzed governance in Rivers State. The ongoing crisis has made it impossible for democratic governance, which we have collectively strived for over the years, to flourish in a manner that benefits the citizens of the state. Since the onset of the crisis, the state has remained stagnant, preventing its residents from enjoying the advantages of democracy. He criticized Governor Fubara for the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly, deeming the action unwarranted.