by Ashraf Oluwatobiloba,Kaduna.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “unconstitutional and reckless.”
Obi accused Tinubu of undermining the rule of law and exhibiting authoritarian tendencies that threaten Nigeria’s 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 has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.”
Obi: Rivers Crisis Doesn’t Justify Emergency Rule
In a statement shared on Wednesday, March 19, via X, Obi described the move as a disguised form of martial law that could set a dangerous precedent.
He challenged the legality of removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers, arguing that Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution does not support such an action.
“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.”
Political Reactions and Constitutional Debate
Obi’s criticism adds to the growing opposition against Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, with political analysts and legal experts questioning its constitutional basis.
What’s Next?
🔹 Legal challenges may arise over the emergency declaration
🔹 Opposition parties could mobilize against the decision
🔹 Political tensions in Rivers State may escalate
The Rivers crisis continues to unfold, with stakeholders awaiting further legal and political developments.
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