Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it “unconstitutional and reckless.”
In a statement released on Wednesday via X, Obi accused Tinubu of disregarding the rule of law and of displaying a dangerous willingness to undermine democracy.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless, it is a blatant attempt to return us to a lawless state and tighten control over power by any means necessary,” Obi stated. “This decision has set us back, undoing the progress we’ve made over the past 26 years of democratic development.”
Obi described the move as a “degrading backdoor imposition of martial law” on a key region of the country, warning of the negative implications such a step would bring.
The former presidential candidate further argued that the political situation in Rivers State did not warrant such extreme measures or the suspension of the Governor, his deputy, and state lawmakers. He criticized the interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, suggesting it was a biased reading meant to serve specific interests rather than the public good.
“A state of emergency does not justify the unilateral removal of an elected governor,” Obi stated. “This action does not align with democratic principles or good governance. It seems to be a predetermined move, serving particular interests rather than the collective well-being of Rivers State and Nigeria.”
He warned that the decision constituted an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that could erode democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Obi stressed that if left unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity.
“After already dealing with issues of electoral malpractice, non-compliance with qualifications, and widespread rigging, this arbitrary removal of elected officials will only push us closer to a state of lawlessness and anarchy,” Obi added.
Obi called on the National Assembly and all relevant stakeholders to reject the state of emergency, stressing that it would deepen the culture of impunity and further threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
