Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the state of democracy in Nigeria, saying it has been “knocked down” following the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday at a colloquium marking the 60th birthday of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Obi lamented the current political situation in the country.
His remarks come after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months while appointing retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator.
Obi compared the present situation to his tenure as Anambra State governor, recalling how he assumed office through the courts without interference and how past presidents intervened to prevent his impeachment.
He argued that the current political climate is different, saying, “Today, the president impeaches the person. Everything has collapsed. Nothing works.”
Obi stressed the need to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy, warning that it is in a state of failure.
