Get Guardian on Google
Former presidential candidate and Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on members of his party in the National Assembly to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy amid the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
[ad]
Obi, in a statement on Thursday, referred to Tinubu’s action as an “unconstitutional action” that has have “far-reaching negative implications” for the country’s democracy and “the will of the people.”
He then urged the Labour Party lawmakers in the national assembly to stand as true defenders of justice.
Obi urged them not to participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of the country’s democracy, may undermine the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.
He stated, “Since your inauguration as Distinguished, and Honorable members of the National Assembly, I have refrained from interfering in your legislative affairs out of respect for your independence and to allow you to focus on alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people.
[ad]
“However, at this critical juncture — following 26 years of a deteriorating democratic process marked by disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders — I find it necessary to address you. These unconstitutional actions have far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people.
“I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.
“We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people’s mandate. At this moment, we must prioritize what is right over what is wrong or convenient, remaining steadfast in defending the well-being of the people of Rivers State.”
[ad]
