Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced strong concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria, declaring that it has been “knocked down” following the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday at a colloquium honoring former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, on his 60th birthday, Obi criticized the current administration’s handling of democratic institutions.
Last Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State amid ongoing political tensions and attacks on oil facilities. This led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
In their place, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
Obi argued that democracy in Nigeria has regressed significantly. He likened its development to a building under construction, saying, “Some leaders laid the foundation in 1999, others took it to the decking level, and some attempted to raise it to the first floor. But today, everything has been knocked down—nothing works.”
Reflecting on his own political journey, Obi recalled how he became governor of Anambra State through the courts without interference from the federal government. He emphasized that such judicial independence is now rare in Nigeria.
“I was declared governor by the courts when President Obasanjo and Atiku were in office, and I did not pay a single naira for it. Back then, when a governor was facing impeachment, the president would send emissaries to intervene.
Today, it is the president himself who removes governors. This shows how much things have collapsed,” Obi stated.
He also recounted how former Presidents Obasanjo and Yar’Adua personally reached out to him during crucial moments in his political career, expressing their support and ensuring his safety.
He contrasted this with the current political climate, where he believes democratic institutions are being undermined.
Obi concluded by stressing the urgent need to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy, warning that if the current trend continues, the country’s democratic foundations will be irreparably damaged.
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