Former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly criticized the recent suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, labeling it as an “undemocratic” and “unconstitutional” act. In a statement, he condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove the state’s governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly members, calling it a direct attack on democracy.
“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.”
According to Amaechi, this move by the President undermines Nigeria’s constitutional framework. He pointed out that Tinubu, by his actions, has “technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State,” violating the very Constitution he swore to uphold.
Citing Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, Amaechi argued that the process for removing a state governor is clearly outlined and does not grant the President the authority to do so by “fiat declaration, decree or promulgation.” He asserted that Tinubu has no such constitutional powers.
“A democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation of Mr. President. The suspension of two key democratically elected arms of Government in Rivers State by Mr. President evidently violates our Constitution, even within the scope and interpretation of Section 305 that the President cited in his broadcast.”
The former governor described the President’s actions as part of a larger scheme by certain individuals to seize power in Rivers State through unconstitutional means. He believes that the suspension of the state’s democratic institutions signals an attempt by “forces and persons who do not have such Constitutional powers” to impose their will on the people.
Calling for national resistance against what he sees as a dangerous precedent, Amaechi urged Nigerians to rise in opposition to this “audacious violation of our Constitution and rape of our democracy.” He insisted that the President “must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality cannot stand.”
He further called on politicians, governors, and legislators across party lines to take a stand. He encouraged the National Assembly to reject the suspension and prevent the country from slipping into totalitarianism.
“Politicians across divides should speak up; rise to halt our nation’s descent into totalitarianism. State Governors and Legislators should speak up now. I urge the National Assembly to reject this illegality.”
As a former chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Amaechi acknowledged the role that elected governors can play in reversing the President’s actions. He praised those governors who have already spoken out against the suspension, emphasizing the need for unity in defense of democratic principles.
Concluding his statement, Amaechi issued a stark warning about the implications of the President’s decision, describing it as “a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.”
His remarks reflect growing concerns over the balance of power between the federal government and the states, as well as the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
