Stop Tinubu From Plunging Nigeria Into Anarchy, Obi Tells NASS

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the decision by President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similaya Fubara of Rivers State, members of the state assembly, and the declaration of emergency in the state as “unconstitutional” and “reckless.”

Obi, via X on Wednesday, stated that the president’s actions have plunged the country into lawlessness and undermined the progress made in the last 26 years of democratic governance.

Obi also argued that the declaration of emergency in Rivers is an attempt to tighten the government’s grip on power at all costs.

The crisis in Rivers State began when Governor Fubara demolished the state’s House of Assembly amid his rift between lawmakers loyal to his former political godfather and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The Supreme Court had ruled that the governor’s actions were unconstitutional and that the state was without a functioning government due to the crisis between the governor and the House of Assembly.

In his address, President Tinubu explained that he decided to declare a state of emergency due to the persistent crisis in the state, which has made it impossible for the government to function.

He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.

However, Obi said declaring a state of emergency does not mean an elected governor can be removed unilaterally, and that the president’s decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance.

He appealed to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow the decision to stand, warning that it could foster a culture of impunity and threaten democracy.

Obi’s post says, “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.

“It is a degrading backdoor imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives.

“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.
A new Nigeria is POssible!.”

Stop Tinubu From Plunging Nigeria Into Anarchy, Obi Tells NASS is first published on The Whistler Newspaper