Yemi Obafemi
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over the alleged unilateral removal of Rivers State Governor Similaya Fubara, calling it unconstitutional and reckless.
In a statement on his X account, Obi warned that the move threatens democracy, tramples on the rule of law, and sets a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria.
“The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Similaya Fubara of Rivers State from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless.
“It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.
“By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.”
He also rejected the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, arguing that it amounts to an undemocratic imposition of martial rule.
“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 is a degrading back door imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives .
“The political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, and it is also a biased interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.
“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,” he wrote.
Obi urged the National Assembly and stakeholders to resist the action, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic norms.
‘I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigand already threatening our democracy,” he added.
