Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to suspend key elected officials in Rivers State. and declaring a state of emergency in the state.
In his statement, Amaechi made it very clear that he sees the President’s move as undemocratic and against the Constitution. “Unequivocally, I condemn the rather brazen and unilaterally reckless suspension and removal of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The controversy began when President Tinubu announced the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and several lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly. This decision, taken without what many believe is the proper legal process, has raised serious questions about the use of presidential power. Amaechi argues that the President’s action has effectively “suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State,” a claim that underscores his belief that the fundamental principles of Nigerian governance are being undermined. In his view, the President’s actions not only break the established legal framework but also erode the rights of the people to choose their leaders through fair and constitutional means.
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A major point in Amaechi’s argument revolves around the Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 188, which outlines the proper process for removing a state governor. He explains, “Section 188 of the Nigeria Constitution clearly stipulates how a State Governor can be removed from office. And it does not include a fiat declaration, decree or promulgation by Mr. President. Therefore, he cannot appropriate such powers to himself.” According to Amaechi, the rules set out in the Constitution do not allow the President to remove an elected state leader by a simple proclamation. This clear violation of constitutional provisions is at the heart of his criticism.
In addition to Section 188, Amaechi also points out that the President’s actions conflict with the basic principle that “a democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation of Mr. President.” Amaechi’s criticism is directed at what he sees as an abuse of power that sets a dangerous precedent, not just for Rivers State but for the entire country.
The impact of this suspension has gone far beyond the immediate removal of state leaders. Amaechi sees it as a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic structure. He argues that by suspending these elected officials, the President is making a power grab that could lead the country toward authoritarian rule. He states that the “unlawful suspension of elected democratic institutions in my dear Rivers State points to a brazen attempt at power grab in the State by forces and persons who do not have such Constitutional powers.” This warning has resonated with many Nigerians who fear that if unchecked, this type of executive overreach could weaken the country’s system of checks and balances.
Amaechi urges those in power to stand together and speak out against what he describes as an “audacious violation of our Constitution and rape of our democracy.” He calls on politicians from all sides to work together, saying, “Politicians across divides should speak up; rise to halt our nation’s descent into totalitarianism. State Governors and Legislators should speak up now.” His appeal to the National Assembly is equally strong as he implores lawmakers to reject what he terms an illegal action. “I urge the National Assembly to reject this illegality,” he declared, emphasizing the need for a united front to protect the democratic rights of Nigerians.
Amaechi, who once held the position of Governor and also served as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), uses his experience to highlight the critical role that elected leaders play in protecting democracy. He commends the Governors who have spoken out against the suspension and suggests that they have the power to reverse what he calls the “unlawful actions”. “If elected leaders come together and defend the constitution, there is hope for restoring the balance of power and ensuring that the will of the people is respected,” Amaechi stated.
