IMPUNITY - PETER OBI CRIES, URGES NASS TO HALT “RECKLESS RIVERS STATE OF EMERGENCY"

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned what he called a unilateral decision by President Bola Tinubu to remove Rivers State Governor, Similaya Fubara from office. Peter Obi said the action by President Tinubu through the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State was reckless and capable of fostering a culture of impunity that can undermine Nigeria’s democracy. Obi shared his opinion on his X.com handle, stating that “The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Similaya Fubara of Rivers State 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.” "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” He added. The former governor of Anambra State argued that the situation in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme measure, adding that the action was based on a biased interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution. He said that a state of emergency does not mean an elected Governor can be removed unilaterally, maintaining that decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance. Peter Obi said the move by the President appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria. He appealed to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow the action of President Tinubu in Rivers State to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigand that are already threatening our democracy.