Emergency rule: Obi urges LP NASS members not to compromise integrity of democracy

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Thursday, urged Labour Party members in the National Assembly not to compromise the integrity of democracy when voting on the State of Emergency proclaimed by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State. Obi enjoined the LP lawmakers to stand as true defenders of justice.

According to him, “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.”

Obi in a statement on Thursday declared @PeterObi,

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“My dear brothers and sisters,

“Members of the Labour Party in the National Assembly,

“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.

“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.

“Together, let us stand firm in our resolve — because a new Nigeria is possible!

-PO”