Don’t Allow Tinubu’s ‘Unconstitutional And Reckless’ Emergency Rule To Stand – Peter Obi Tells NASS

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has called on the National Assembly in Nigeria not to allow President Bola Tinubu’s “unconstitutional and reckless” declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State to stand.

“It is a degrading back door imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives,” Obi said in a statement on Wednesday via X.

He warned that the action will only deepen the culture of impunity and pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The former Anambra State governor slammed Tinubu for disregarding rule of law and showing 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 has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.

“It is a degrading back door imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives,” Obi wrote.

Obi asserted that the political situation in Rivers does not meet tghe constitutional threshold to impose emergency rule and suspend Governor Siminlayi Fubara, his deputy and state lawmakers.

According to him, Tinubu’s action is a biased interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

He explained, “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.”