The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged party members in the National Assembly to protect justice and oppose any activities that jeopardise Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
Obi voiced his concerns about Nigeria’s “deteriorating democratic process” in a statement sent to Labour Party lawmakers via X on Thursday.
He noted that for the past 26 years, the country has witnessed “disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders.”
Obi emphasised that these unconstitutional acts have “far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people.”
While stating that he had deliberately refrained from interfering in their legislative duties since their inauguration, he said the current situation had necessitated his intervention.
“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,” he said.
However, he urged the lawmakers to “stand as true defenders of justice” and to reject any action or decision that compromises democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts the 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,” Obi stated.
He further called on the legislators to “prioritise what is right over what is wrong or convenient” in defending the well-being of Rivers State citizens.
Reaffirming his belief in a better Nigeria, Obi concluded by encouraging the lawmakers to remain resolute.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the assembly, as announced by President Bola Tinubu.
The seal of approval for the president’s proclamation came via voice vote during plenary on Thursday.
The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary, called on members to make their contribution during the consideration of the general principles of the President’s report.
