Obi Urges Peace, Reflection Following Rivers Emergency Rule Suspension

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on political leaders in Rivers State to reflect on the lessons of the recent constitutional crisis and work toward lasting peace.

Speaking after the federal government lifted the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state in March 2025, Obi criticized the intervention, describing it as a breach of constitutional norms and a setback for democracy.

President Bola Tinubu had declared the emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and appointing a sole administrator, citing security concerns under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. The rule was lifted after what the presidency described as a “groundswell of a new spirit of understanding.”

Reacting on social media, Obi said that the suspension of the elected leadership was unjustified and warned that such actions should only be used under extreme threats to public order. He encouraged all parties involved—including Fubara, lawmakers, and other political actors—to take responsibility for past mistakes and focus on reconciliation.

“A true leader is one who admits mistakes, learns from them, and corrects them,” Obi said, while commending the people of Rivers State for their resilience during the political impasse.

The Rivers crisis stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the FCT. Their rift sparked a wave of defections, allegations of corruption, and a breakdown of legislative function in the state.

Obi ended his message with a call for unity and optimism:

“Be assured that a new Nigeria is possible and inevitable.”