Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly members.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Amaechi denounced the move as unconstitutional and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles. He urged the National Assembly, governors, and Nigerians to oppose what he described as an illegal power grab that undermines the country’s Constitution.
Violation of Constitutional Provisions
Amaechi accused President Tinubu of exceeding his constitutional authority by suspending elected officials. Citing Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, he stressed that a governor can only be removed through an impeachment process, not by executive order.
“With this singular move, Mr. President has technically suspended democracy in Rivers State. This is a blatant violation of the Constitution, the very document he swore to uphold,” Amaechi stated.
Furthermore, he questioned the use of Section 305, which permits the President to declare a state of emergency, arguing that it does not provide for the dissolution of an elected government.
Call for Resistance Against Political Takeover
Amaechi alleged that certain political forces were orchestrating a takeover in Rivers State, urging lawmakers, governors, and Nigerians to reject the move.
“At this critical juncture in our national history, all well-meaning Nigerians must stand against this audacious abuse of power. This illegality must not stand,” he emphasized.
The former Rivers State Governor, who previously chaired the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), praised governors who have spoken against the suspension and encouraged others to do the same. He warned that failure to resist could set a dangerous precedent leading Nigeria toward totalitarian rule.
A Divisive Decision Amidst Political Tensions
The suspension of Governor Fubara has generated mixed reactions across Nigeria. While some believe it is necessary to restore order in Rivers State, critics like Amaechi argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy.
This development raises concerns about the balance of power between the executive and state governments. As the political crisis unfolds, Nigerians await the next steps from the National Assembly and judiciary in addressing the constitutional implications of Tinubu’s decision.
For more insights on Nigeria’s political developments, read this analysis by The Guardian.
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