Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has expressed grave concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria, asserting that it has been “knocked down” following the controversial suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking in Abuja during a colloquium honoring former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, on his 60th birthday, Obi lamented the regression of democratic institutions in the country.
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His remarks followed President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability and damage to oil infrastructure. The decision resulted in the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all state assembly members, with retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
Reflecting on the deterioration of Nigeria’s democratic processes, Obi likened the nation’s political development to a construction project that had been torn down.
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“From 1999, a foundation was laid, and successive governments built on it. Some raised it to a decking, others tried to push it further. But today, everything has been knocked down,” he said. “Nothing works.”
Drawing from personal experience, Obi recounted his tenure as Anambra State governor, where judicial independence was upheld without political interference.
“I became a governor through the courts when President Obasanjo and Atiku were in power. I didn’t pay a dime for that judgment. I was in my house when the court declared me the winner,” he said. “Today, that level of judicial independence is unimaginable.”
He contrasted past democratic norms with the current reality, recalling instances where past presidents intervened to protect democratic processes rather than subvert them.
“When I was impeached, President Obasanjo called to check on me. When I was reinstated, President Yar’Adua personally assured my safety,” Obi stated. “But today, presidents orchestrate impeachments. It’s clear—our democracy is failing.”
Obi called for urgent action to rebuild Nigeria’s democratic institutions, warning that continued erosion could lead to a complete collapse of governance structures.
