The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “unconstitutional and reckless.”

In a statement on Wednesday via X, Obi accused Tinubu of undermining democracy and disregarding the rule of law. He described the move as a dangerous attempt to tighten control over the state.

“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,” Obi stated.

He further argued that the political crisis in Rivers does not justify suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers. Obi accused the federal government of selectively interpreting Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution to serve its own interests.

“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,” he said.

Obi warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. He also linked it to previous electoral irregularities, stating that such actions would push Nigeria toward lawlessness and anarchy.

He urged the National Assembly and other stakeholders to reject the emergency declaration, emphasizing that allowing it to stand would deepen the culture of impunity and weaken democratic institutions.

Several South-South leaders and stakeholders have strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and politically motivated. They also accused the president of siding with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State.

Former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, denounced the move as “ill-advised” and inconsistent with constitutional provisions. He alleged that the decision was part of a broader scheme to take control of the state.

“The situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional conditions for declaring a state of emergency. This action appears to be a premeditated script, being implemented stage by stage,” Nwoko stated.

Similarly, former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eric Omare, Esq., condemned the president’s intervention, labeling it as biased. He accused Tinubu of emboldening Wike, whose actions, he argued, exacerbated the crisis.

“The president’s body language has encouraged Wike to fuel this crisis. If Fubara is being blamed for not handling the situation well, what has the president done about Wike’s provocations? A neutral leader would have either called Wike to order or removed him from office,” Omare asserted.

Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) expressed grave concern over the development. In a statement, the group’s National Spokesman, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, said PANDEF was analyzing the situation and would soon make its stance public.

Amaebi Clarkson, a former national spokesman for the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), suggested that the emergency declaration was politically motivated, with an eye on the 2027 elections.

“The governor will likely challenge the legality of the declaration, but politically, this is a calculated move. The president did not act as a leader of the entire nation; he sided with his minister to punish the governor,” Clarkson remarked.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) also rejected the emergency declaration, calling it an act of “oppression and intimidation” against the Ijaw people. IYC spokesman Amb. Binebai Princewill questioned why other states plagued by insurgency had not faced similar measures.

“We see this as targeted oppression. States facing Boko Haram and herdsmen attacks have not been subjected to such actions, but Rivers State is being singled out,” Princewill stated.

However, APC chieftain and elder statesman Hon. Charles Idahosa urged the warring factions to seize the moment for dialogue. He called on Fubara, Wike, and legislators to reconcile their differences and work with the presidency to restore stability.

“This should be a wake-up call for all parties involved. The president has previously tried to mediate, but they did not listen. Now is the time for them to find common ground,” Idahosa advised.

The crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate, with growing concerns over its impact on governance and security in the region.