Amaechi Accuses Tinubu of Undermining Democracy in Rivers, Slams Emergency Rule Imposition
Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers, describing it as a violation of Nigeria’s constitution and an act of reckless overreach.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Amaechi criticized the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, branding the move as a direct assault on democratic processes.
Amaechi urged Nigerians, especially members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), to raise their voices against the President’s actions, which he believes are unconstitutional and unlawful.
Part of the statement reads: “I unequivocally condemn the brazen and reckless suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With this act, the President has effectively suspended democracy in Rivers State, a direct violation of our Constitution, which Mr. President swore to uphold.”
The former governor pointed out that Section 188 of Nigeria’s Constitution clearly defines how a state governor may be removed from office, emphasizing that such a process does not involve unilateral declarations or decrees by the President.
He continued: “A democratically elected governor cannot simply be removed by a proclamation from Mr. President. The suspension of key democratic institutions in Rivers State is a blatant violation of our Constitution, even under the interpretation of Section 305, which the President cited in his broadcast.”
Amaechi also criticized the broader political implications of the move, suggesting that the suspension marks a dangerous power grab by forces without constitutional authority. He accused these forces of plotting to unlawfully impose themselves on the people of Rivers.
“In these troubling times for our nation, all Nigerians of conscience must rise up against this blatant attack on our Constitution and democracy. Mr. President must be made to understand that this illegal act cannot stand,” he said.
The former governor also called on politicians across party lines to take a stand and warned of a potential descent into totalitarianism. He urged the National Assembly to reject what he described as an illegal suspension.
“As a former governor and a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I am fully aware of the role governors can play in preventing this unconstitutional action from standing,” Amaechi added. “I commend those governors who have already spoken out against this unlawful suspension. This move is an outright affront to Nigeria’s Constitution and our democracy.”
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