Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has once again condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unnecessary and undemocratic response to the ongoing political crisis. In an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, Obi argued that the situation in Rivers did not warrant such drastic action and urged that the states sworn-in governor be allowed to govern unimpeded.
Obi, speaking to anchor Charles Aniagolu, emphasized that the political turmoil in Rivers, which has rendered the state ungovernable for obvious political reasons over the past two years, should be addressed through established democratic channels rather than emergency measures. You cannot take the action that has been taken in Rivers State for what happened. Theres a clear path to dealing with that issue, he said. Drawing from his own experience as governor of Anambra State, Obi noted that despite personal differences with his successor, Willy Obiano, he refrained from interfering in his administration. The state is far more important than anybody, he stressed, adding, We have a governor who has been sworn in as a governor; he should be allowed to govern.
The former governors comments come amid speculation about the motives behind the state of emergency, with some linking it to President Bola Tinubus administration. When asked about former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechis claim that Tinubu declared the emergency to intimidate governors ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi described the situation as very unfortunate. He warned that such actions erode Nigerias democratic space. If that is what President Tinubu was trying to do, it shows the country has no democracy, Obi stated. It is impacting very negatively on the little or remaining democratic space we had.
Obi further dismissed the notion of intimidating governors for political gain, arguing that elections should hinge on performance rather than coercion. The governors are going to seek re-election based on what theyve been able to do, on Nigerians. The governors just have one vote, he said, suggesting that any attempt to strong-arm state leaders reflects a failure of democratic principles.
The political crisis in Rivers State has drawn widespread attention, with tensions between factions threatening stability. Obis critique aligns with his consistent advocacy for governance rooted in democratic norms and accountability. As Nigeria navigates this turbulent period, his remarks underscore a broader call for leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the state over personal or partisan interests.
