Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has called on party members in the National Assembly to uphold justice and resist actions that threaten Nigeria’s democratic integrity. In a statement addressed to Labour Party lawmakers on Thursday via X, Obi expressed deep concern over what he described as a “deteriorating democratic process” in the country.
He pointed out that for the past 26 years, Nigeria has witnessed a “disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, widespread electoral fraud, and now, the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders.” Obi stressed that these unconstitutional actions have “far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people.”
While acknowledging that he had refrained from interfering in the legislative duties of the lawmakers since their inauguration, Obi explained that the current situation had made his intervention necessary. “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.
Obi urged the lawmakers to “stand as true defenders of justice” and reject any actions or decisions that undermine democracy, harm the interests of the people of Rivers State, or violate the core values of fairness, equity, and transparency. He also called on them to “prioritize what is right over what is wrong or convenient” in defending the well-being of Rivers State citizens.
Concluding his message, Obi reaffirmed his belief in a better Nigeria and encouraged the lawmakers to remain resolute in their commitment to justice.
In contrast to Obi’s appeal, the House of Representatives on Thursday approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly, as announced by President Bola Tinubu.
The approval came through a voice vote during the plenary session, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who called on members to contribute to the consideration of the general principles of the President’s report.
