Peter Obi Criticizes Rivers State Emergency Rule as a “Misstep”

Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has slammed the recent state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a constitutional misstep that should never have occurred.

Speaking on Thursday via his 𝕏 account, Obi described the emergency rule as a disruption to the democratic process in the state, praising Rivers residents for enduring six months of political provocation.

His comments followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on Wednesday lifting the emergency rule and reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Obi wrote:

“The misstep that should not have happened.
The restoration of democracy in Rivers State after six months of needless disruption remains a sour side of our democracy today.
It was a constitutional breach that will hurt our democracy for a long time.
I just hope that some lessons were learned by all the gladiators in the Rivers State impasse. Great minds remind us that ‘The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.’
A true leader is the one who admits mistakes, learns from them, and is strong enough to correct them.
I would like to congratulate the good people of Rivers State for their endurance in the face of provocations.
And I appeal to Governor Fubara, the members of the state House of Assembly, and all political leaders in the state to embrace peace and forge ahead.
The real mistake is the one where we learn nothing. Be assured that a new Nigeria is possible and inevitable.”


Obi’s statement highlights concerns over constitutional overreach and emphasizes the importance of democracy, accountability, and lessons learned from political missteps.