Peter Obi condemns President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Fubara as unconstitutional, warning it threatens democracy and fosters a culture of impunity. He criticizes the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, urging intervention from the National Assembly to prevent further lawlessness. Tinubu justified his actions by citing instability and a stalling governance in Rivers State.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has emphatically criticized President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deeming it unconstitutional and reckless. In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi suggested that this action threatens to undo 26 years of democratic progress and has plunged Nigeria back into lawlessness. He remarked that the decision exemplifies a dangerous inclination to disregard democracy and the rule of law.
Obi also condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, deeming it an unwarranted tactic intended to consolidate power. He characterized the measure as a degrading backdoor imposition of martial rule in a crucial region of the federation, asserting, “The political situation in Rivers does not warrant such an extreme step.”
Notably, Obi emphasized that a state of emergency does not bestow upon the President the authority to remove an elected governor unilaterally. He warned that such actions create a perilous precedent that undermines democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. “If left unchecked, it will foster a culture of impunity,” Obi cautioned, linking it to ongoing electoral irregularities and rigging that threaten to escalate Nigeria’s descent into anarchy.
Obi urged the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to intervene, advocating for measures to counteract what he calls the emerging culture of impunity and lawlessness. He concluded his statement with an optimistic vision, asserting, “A new Nigeria is possible.”
It is important to note that President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara and others due to perceived instability in Rivers State. His actions have drawn widespread condemnation throughout the nation. Tinubu argued that the ongoing crisis has rendered governance ineffective in Rivers State, stating, “With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance… can thrive.”
In his defense, Tinubu attributed the disruption in governance to actions taken by Governor Fubara, particularly accusing him of unjustifiably demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In summary, Peter Obi’s profound criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara highlights serious concerns regarding the state of democracy in Nigeria. This situation reflects a potential regression towards lawlessness, with implications for political stability and governance. Obi’s call for intervention from legislative bodies emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to safeguarding democratic principles. The ongoing debate regarding the justification of emergency measures indicates a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s political landscape.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
