Amaechi Faults Tinubu’s Declaration Of ‘State Of Emergency’ In Rivers

Former Minister of Transport and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Amaechi described the action as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democracy and an abuse of constitutional authority.

He condemned the suspension of the state’s Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, calling it reckless and undemocratic.

In a personally signed statement titled, “My Immediate Reaction To The Undemocratic, Unconstitutional Suspension Of Elected State Officials In Rivers State”, Amaechi urged the National Assembly to reject this presidential declaration.

Amaechi argued that the president’s action undermines the democratic process and violates the Nigerian Constitution.

He noted that the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 188, clearly outlines the procedures for removing a state governor from office.

According to him, the constitution does not grant the President the power to unilaterally remove elected officials through a proclamation or decree.

By suspending the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the State Assembly, Amaechi accused the President of “acting outside his constitutional authority, effectively undermining democracy in Rivers State”.

The former Governor expressed concern that “such actions threaten not only the stability of Rivers State, but also the democratic integrity of the entire country”.

He insisted that the President’s suspension of key democratic institutions in the state cannot be justified, even under Section 305 of the Constitution, which the president cited in his broadcast.

Amaechi suggested that this move was part of a larger orchestrated plot by certain individuals to seize control of power in Rivers State without the mandate of the people.

He warned that these actions reflect a broader pattern of undemocratic behavior aimed at imposing unconstitutional authority.

Amaechi called on all Nigerians, especially those with influence and power, to rise against what he described as an “audacious violation of the constitution and an assault on democracy”.

He urged members of the National Assembly, political leaders, and the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to oppose the president’s actions.

Amaechi, a former Minister of Transport, emphasized that governors and legislators have a critical role to play in defending the country’s democratic structure and preventing Nigeria’s descent into totalitarianism.

As a former chairman of the NGF, Amaechi highlighted the importance of state governors in safeguarding democracy.

He commended those who had already condemned the suspension and encouraged more leaders to speak out against what he called a clear illegality.

According to Amaechi, silence in the face of such constitutional violations would only embolden anti-democratic forces.

He ended his statement by reaffirming that “the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State was a serious and dangerous attack on Nigeria’s democracy and constitution, one that must not be allowed to stand”.