Removal of Gov Fubara, Others Reckless and Unconstitutional – Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has vehemently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s unilateral decision to remove Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Obi characterized the dismissal of Fubara, along with his deputy and members of the House of Assembly, as both unconstitutional and reckless.

In a statement shared on his X account, he cautioned that such actions pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy, erode the rule of law, and establish a perilous precedent for governance.

Obi asserted that this decision has regressed the nation into a state of lawlessness, reversing the democratic advancements achieved over the past 26 years.

He accused the President of exhibiting a “dangerous willingness to undermine democracy” by circumventing constitutional protocols and arbitrarily declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The statement articulated: “The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not merely reckless; it is a blatant attempt to revert us to a state of nature and to tighten the government’s control over power at any cost.

“This action represents a degrading imposition of martial rule in a crucial region of the country. Such a strategy carries serious ramifications for Nigeria’s democratic framework.

“The decision reflects a skewed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which delineates the circumstances under which a state of emergency may be declared. This provision does not empower the President to unilaterally remove an incumbent governor. Such an act directly contravenes democratic principles and good governance.

“This decision is inconsistent with democratic values. Rather, it seems to be a premeditated action that serves particular interests rather than the broader welfare of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.

“I urge the National Assembly and all relevant stakeholders to reject this action, as it only exacerbates the culture of impunity that is already jeopardizing our democracy,” Obi stated.

Obi cautioned that permitting this action to persist would foster a culture of impunity and lawlessness. He voiced his apprehension regarding Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with extensive electoral fraud, a lack of adherence to due process, and significant rigging. He argued that the arbitrary dismissal of elected officials would exacerbate the nation’s instability and lead to greater anarchy.

Consequently, he urged the National Assembly and all democratic participants to oppose this initiative, emphasizing that inaction would only solidify impunity and political violence within the country.