- He stated that the unilateral decision is not only unconstitutional but also reckless as it has plunged Nigeria back into a state of lawlessness.
Former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, has excoriated President Bola Tinubu over his declaration of State of emergency in Rivers State and the removal of Governor Similaya Fubara.
Obi said the decision undermines the nation’s democracy and reverses the gains made in the nation’s fledgling democracy in the fourth republic.
He stated that the unilateral decision is not only unconstitutional but also reckless as it has plunged Nigeria back into a state of lawlessness.
Obi voiced his displeasure and opposition to the president’s decision in post on his X page on Wednesday.
He said: “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”
He asserted that the political situation in Rivers does not necessitate the declaration of state of emergency and the removal of the State governor.
“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.” Obi said
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