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Fubara: ‘You Can’t Trample Democracy To Tighten Your Grip’ – Obi To Tinubu
By Benjamin Abioye
Peter Obi has strongly condemned the suspension of Governor Fubara, stating that Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers State has dangerously undermined democracy and the rule of law.
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has condemned the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, calling it unconstitutional and reckless.
On Tuesday evening, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to restore order. Along with the emergency declaration, Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to oversee the state’s affairs. Reacting to this development in a statement on his 𝕏 handle on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Peter Obi criticized Tinubu’s actions, saying, “By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.” He described the declaration as reckless and an attempt to tighten control over power at all costs.
Obi argued that Tinubu’s decision amounted to an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. He urged the National Assembly and other stakeholders to intervene, warning that allowing Fubara’s removal to stand would deepen impunity and lawlessness.
In his statement, Obi further stated, “The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from office has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.” He added that imposing a state of emergency without just cause is a “degrading back-door imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation.” He emphasized that the political situation in Rivers did not warrant such an extreme measure and accused Tinubu of misinterpreting the Constitution.
Obi maintained that a state of emergency does not give the president the power to unilaterally remove an elected governor. He insisted, “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.”
Finally, Obi warned that if this move goes unchallenged, it could further encourage lawlessness and impunity in the country. He urged lawmakers and stakeholders to reject this decision, stating, “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.”
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