Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has faulted President Tinubu over the six-month suspension handed down to Rivers State Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
Speaking on X, the presidential hopeful described the move as a reckless and unconstitutional act aimed at downplaying the democratic odyssey of the nation.
Peter Obi alleged that the declaration of Fubara’s suspension by the president is an obvious attempt to cripple the integrity of the nation’s rule of law.
“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,โ he wrote on X.
โA state of emergency does not mean an elected governor can be removed unilaterally. This decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance.
โInstead, it appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.
โThis 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.โ
Peter Obi’s submission came in the wake of President Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and assembly members, as well as the declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday following a prolonged political crisis that involved Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In an attempt to avoid rendering the state in interregnum, President Tinubu has nominated retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of the state, tentatively for the next six months.
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