Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

He called it “unconstitutional and reckless.”

Obi accused Tinubu of disregarding the rule of law and demonstrating a willingness to undermine democracy.

Obi argued that the declaration of a state of emergency is an attempt to impose martial rule on Rivers State, undoing the progress made in Nigeria’s 26-year democratic journey.

He emphasized that the political situation in Rivers does not justify the emergency rule and the suspension of Governor Siminlayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers.

Furthermore, Obi stated that the action is a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which does not permit the unilateral removal of an elected governor.

He warned that this decision sets a dangerous precedent, threatening democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.

Obi appealed to the National Assembly and all stakeholders to prevent the emergency rule from standing, as it would deepen the culture of impunity and threaten democracy.