Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on lawmakers from his party to stand firm in defense of Nigeria’s democracy. Obi made this appeal on Thursday via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), urging Labour Party members in the National Assembly to resist any actions that threaten democratic principles.
His statement comes in response to the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The House of Representatives approved the emergency rule on Thursday through a voice vote.
Obi Condemns Democratic Decline
Obi expressed deep concern over what he described as Nigeria’s “deteriorating democratic process.” He pointed to issues such as electoral fraud, disregard for qualification standards in political offices, and the unconstitutional removal of elected officials.
“For the past 26 years, we have witnessed a steady decline in our democracy—disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders,” Obi stated.
He warned that these violations would have “far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people.”
Call for Labour Party Lawmakers to Take a Stand
Obi acknowledged that he had previously avoided interfering in legislative affairs, preferring to allow lawmakers to focus on their duties. However, he said the situation in Rivers State demanded his intervention.
“I have refrained from interfering in your legislative affairs out of respect for your independence and to allow you to focus on alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Now, he urged Labour Party legislators to reject any decision that undermines democracy, violates the rights of Rivers State citizens, or contradicts fundamental values of justice and fairness.
“We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people’s mandate,” Obi emphasized.
He called on them to “prioritise what is right over what is wrong or convenient” and to ensure they stand as defenders of justice and democratic values.
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House of Representatives Approves Emergency Rule
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Thursday gave its approval for the emergency rule in Rivers State. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas led the session, inviting lawmakers to discuss the general principles of the president’s report.
During the plenary, some lawmakers suggested that the suspension of the governor and state assembly members should not necessarily last for six months. They proposed that if peace is restored between the feuding parties, the emergency rule should be lifted earlier.
However, the approval of the state of emergency has sparked concerns among opposition politicians and democracy advocates, who fear it could set a dangerous precedent for removing elected leaders without due process.
Despite the political tension, Obi concluded his statement by encouraging Labour Party lawmakers to remain steadfast.
“I firmly believe in a better Nigeria,” he said, urging his party members to resist actions that could erode democracy and the rule of law.