In a surprising turn of events, Labour Party lawmakers in the National Assembly have rejected Peter Obi’s appeal to vote against President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Despite Obi’s impassioned statement on Thursday urging lawmakers to stand as “true defenders of justice” and defend the people’s mandate, the Labour Party lawmakers in agreement with others overwhelmingly supported the emergency rule.

Obi’s statement had emphasized the importance of upholding democracy and the rule of law, citing 26 years of deteriorating democratic processes and unconstitutional actions.

However, his plea fell on deaf ears as the lawmakers voted in favor of the emergency rule.

This development comes amid a tense atmosphere, with some critics arguing that the emergency rule undermines the principles of democracy and federalism.

Chibuike Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, has also urged lawmakers and governors to reject the emergency rule, terming it an “illegal power grab”.