The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 election, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of states, especially when national security is not at risk.
In his 2024 New Year message on Sunday, Obi underscored the need to avoid exclusively entrusting Nigerian politics to transactional politicians.
This recent development occurs a few days after elders in Rivers State expressed disapproval of Tinubu’s intervention in the political conflict involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the state Governor, Sim Fubara.
The elders additionally asserted that the presidential resolution on the political crisis in the state was biased and impractical as it ran counter to the rule of law.
The elders, led by former Rivers State Governor, Rufus Ada-George, also faulted the Christmas Day broadcast by the state governor, saying the proclamation, contrary to his view, is a death sentence.
Obi underscored the importance of adhering to the constitutional rights of the three arms of government.
The former Governor of Anambra State also stressed the importance of Nigerians resisting any move to transform the nation into a one-party state.
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He said, ‘If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by few individuals and private interests. This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation.’
‘In a democratic and secular country like ours, there must be full respect for the separation of powers between the three independent arms of government, as well as between the federating units.’
‘For instance, the National Assembly should devote time and commit themselves to diligent performance of their functions like the 2024 budget that requires their prudent examination and subsequent patriotic-oriented approval or rejection.’
Obi added, ‘We must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state, or a situation, where the Federal Government intervenes unduly in the internal affairs of the states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened.’
‘We, in the Labour Party, have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a New Nigeria that is possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward. Our collective role in nation-building remains fundamental and obligatory.’
The LP candidates, in their New Year message, took the opportunity to thank Nigerians, the Obedient Movement, and supporters for their steadfast commitment to true democracy.