Obi Condemns Tinubu’s Removal Of Rivers Governor, Calls It Unconstitutional, Reckless

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of an unconstitutional and reckless attempt to remove Rivers State Governor Similaya Fubara from office.

Obi issued a statement on his X handle warning that such actions endanger Nigeria’s democracy, undermine the rule of law, and set a dangerous precedent for governance.

Obi claims that the alleged decision has plunged the country into lawlessness, undoing the democratic progress made over the previous 26 years.

He accused the President of demonstrating a “dangerous willingness to trample on democracy” by circumventing constitutional processes and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.

“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not only reckless; it is a clear attempt to return us to a state of nature and tighten the government’s grip on power at all costs,” Obi said.

He went on to call the alleged move a “degrading backdoor imposition of martial law” in a key region of the country, warning of serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Obi’s central argument is that the President’s actions are based on a biassed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which specifies the conditions under which a state of emergency may be declared.

He argued that this provision does not give the President the authority to unilaterally remove a sitting governor, emphasising that such a move would be a direct violation of democratic norms and good governance.

“This decision is not consistent with democratic principles. Instead, it appears to be a predetermined action that serves specific interests rather than the greater good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria,” Obi stated.

The former presidential candidate expressed deep concern that such actions, if allowed to continue, would foster an environment of impunity and lawlessness.

He painted a bleak picture of Nigeria, which is already plagued by widespread electoral malpractice, disregard for due process, and alleged rigging, warning that arbitrary removal of elected officials would only exacerbate the country’s descent into instability and anarchy.

Obi concluded his statement with a strong call to action, urging the National Assembly and all democratic stakeholders to oppose what he describes as a blatant abuse of presidential power. He warned that failure to do so would perpetuate impunity and political bribery in the country.

“I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only strengthens the culture of impunity that is already undermining our democracy,” Obi declared.

Obi’s allegations are likely to exacerbate tensions surrounding the political situation in Rivers State and raise serious concerns about Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The president’s office has yet to respond to Obi’s statement. The situation is still fluid and being closely monitored by observers across the country.