Following the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has called on lawmakers of his party to threat the president’s decision with caution.
Obi said that while he had over time refrained form interfering with legislative affairs – out of respect for lawmakers independence – it is, however, important that they do not become part of Nigeria’s deteriorating democratic process.
Recall that the president’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend its governor, Siminalayi Fubara, deputy and other elected officers of the state was awaiting an approval from a two-third of lawmakers of the National Assembly.
While Obi’s message came minutes after the lawmakers of the House of Representatives had already decided on the matter by approving the president’s decision, the former governor warned that such actions have far-reaching negative implications for the nation’s democracy and the will of the people.
He urged the lawmakers to stay true to themselves and stand as true defenders of justice by not being part of any decision to compromise the interest of Rivers State people.
Obi also urged the Labour Party lawmakers to ensure they do not take part in actions that contradicts the core values of fairness, equity, and transparency of the party.
He said, “We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people’s mandate.
“At this moment, we must prioritize what is right over what is wrong or convenient, remaining steadfast in defending the well-being of the people of Rivers State. Together, let us stand firm in our resolve — because a new Nigeria is possible!” he added.
