“Everything Has Been Knocked Down” — Obi Warns of Democratic Collapse Over Fubara’s Suspension

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, saying it is “collapsing” following the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Obi made the remarks on Monday at the 60th birthday colloquium of Emeka Ihedioha, former deputy speaker of the house of representatives. His comments come in response to the recent political turmoil in Rivers State, where President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency last Tuesday.

Tinubu’s decision, citing a prolonged political crisis and vandalization of oil facilities, led to the suspension of Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives controversially approved the emergency rule on Thursday, despite widespread criticism from stakeholders, including the South-South Governors’ Forum.

Speaking at the panel discussion, Obi recalled his own impeachment as Anambra State governor in 2006, emphasizing how the presidency at the time attempted to intervene on his behalf. He noted that under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, political processes still allowed for dialogue and institutional balance.

“Some people came and knocked everything down. That is the situation we are in now. Everything has been knocked down. Nothing works,” Obi lamented.

He highlighted how, during his impeachment, Obasanjo dispatched then-Senate President Ken Nnamani to mediate, with the president personally checking on his well-being. In contrast, Obi accused Tinubu of actively removing a sitting governor, signaling what he believes is a dangerous erosion of democratic norms.

Reflecting on his reinstatement in 2007, Obi recalled how the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua called him in London to urge him to return to office, even sending security personnel to receive him upon arrival. “Now, the president would ask me not to come back. Democracy is collapsing,” he warned.

The Rivers State crisis has drawn parallels to past emergency declarations, including Obasanjo’s 2004 suspension of Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye, when a retired general, Chris Alli, was appointed sole administrator. However, critics argue that the current political maneuvering under Tinubu is a direct assault on democratic governance rather than a response to security concerns.

As opposition voices grow louder, questions remain about the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the precedent being set by the federal government’s intervention in state affairs.