Tinubu’s Decision To Suspend Fubara Is Unconstitutional And Reckless – Peter Obi

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling it an unconstitutional and reckless act.

KanyiDaily recalls that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and all state assembly members.

Reacting on his X page, Peter Obi accused the president of pushing Nigeria into lawlessness and undoing decades of democratic progress.

He argued that declaring a state of emergency does not give Tinubu the power to remove an elected governor and described the action as an attempt to impose martial rule.

Obi also pointed out that the situation in Rivers does not justify such extreme measures, warning that the decision appears politically motivated rather than being in the public’s best interest.

Calling on the National Assembly and other stakeholders to intervene, Peter Obi urged them to reject what he sees as a dangerous precedent that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.

“The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless,” Obi wrote.

“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.”

“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.

“I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigandage already threatening our democracy.”

Meanwhile,  Governor Siminalayi Fubara vowed to handle the state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu with wisdom, patience, and firm belief in democracy.