Peter Obi condemns President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deeming it unconstitutional and detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy. He warns that such actions signify a dangerous drift towards anarchy and urges intervention from the National Assembly to uphold the rule of law and democratic governance.
Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, labeling it as unconstitutional and reckless. He articulated that this unfortunate action has thrust Nigeria back into a state of lawlessness, undermining 26 years of progress in democratic governance.
In his statement, Obi asserted, “By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.” He also condemned the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, referring to it as an unjustified measure aimed at consolidating power and a regression towards martial rule in a vital region of the federation.
Obi argued that the political circumstances in Rivers do not necessitate such drastic measures, asserting that declaring a state of emergency reflects a biased interpretation of the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized that this declaration does not grant the President the authority to remove an elected official unilaterally, cautioning that such actions create a perilous precedent threatening democracy and the rule of law.
“If left unchecked, it will foster a culture of impunity,” Obi warned, expressing that the increasing electoral irregularities and the arbitrary removal of elected officials could further escalate Nigeria’s descent into anarchy. He urged the National Assembly and other stakeholders to take action against this emerging trend of impunity and lawlessness, maintaining that “A new Nigeria is possible.”
President Tinubu justified Governor Fubara’s suspension and the actions taken by stating that the ongoing crisis had rendered governance in Rivers State ineffective. He claimed that the democratic governance, which had been hard-won, could not flourish under the prevailing instability, severely limiting the citizens’ access to the benefits of democracy. Tinubu specifically criticized Governor Fubara for demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly, characterizing this action as unjustifiable.
In summary, Peter Obi has fervently condemned President Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Fubara, labeling it as a significant step back for democracy in Nigeria. He warns that such actions undermine the rule of law and could foster a culture of impunity, ultimately threatening the stability of the nation. Obi calls for intervention from the National Assembly to prevent further deterioration into lawlessness, asserting that a progressive Nigeria remains attainable.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
