Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the National Assembly to prioritise the interests of the people of Rivers State when considering the state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
In an open letter to the leadership of the legislative body on Thursday, Obi urged the lawmakers to prevent potential tyranny and ensure that the executive branch operates within constitutional limits.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and 27 members of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s sole administrator.
In his letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Obi emphasised the role of the legislature in maintaining democratic balance and preventing executive overreach.
The letter read, “Open letter to the Senate President, H.E. Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass
“Your Excellencies, I am moved to come to you, the heads of our legislative branch, in this form because of the present critical situation in the country that needs your urgent and vital intervention to save our democracy.
“President Bola Tinubu’s Tuesday intervention in the ongoing Rivers State political crisis through a declaration of a state of emergency that led to the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“This is clearly an ultra vires action capable of fostering a culture of impunity which your arm of government, the Legislature, is established to forestall.
“The legislature checks potential executive abuse of power through many means including the ability to override executive actions through vetoes.
“The legislature’s override of executive actions, such as vetoes of legislation, demonstrate its power to check possible abuse of the executive’s authority.
“The separation of powers, where the legislative, executive, and judicial branches each have distinct functions and powers, is a fundamental principle of democracy designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant.
“The legislature’s role in checking possible executive abuses or excesses is crucial for maintaining a balanced and accountable government, preventing potential tyranny and ensuring that the executive branch operates within the bounds of the law.
“This situation throws a huge challenge on the two of you as the heads of the legislative arm of the country.
“I urge you, therefore, to take a dispassionate look at the situation in Rivers State and ensure that you deploy your arm of government properly in the interest of the people of Rivers State and our democracy.
“Nigerians and all lovers of democracy globally are looking up to you to correct this anomaly and show that you operate within the tenets of genuine democracy.
“I pray God to direct you alright in the interest of all Nigerians and our nation.
“Accept my due regard for your high esteem.”