Rivers Emergency Rule: An Affront To Democracy That Will Not Stand – Amaechi To Tinubu
Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has fiercely condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as a blatant assault on democracy that will not stand.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amaechi lambasted the President’s decision, insisting that it flagrantly violates the Nigerian Constitution.
He accused Tinubu of unilaterally truncating democracy in Rivers State by an executive fiat, warning that such an act undermines the very foundation of governance.
“With this singular move, Mr President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State. This clearly violates our Constitution, the same Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Mr President swore to uphold,” he declared.
The former Minister of Transportation referenced Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, which stipulates the process of removing a state governor from office.
According to him, Tinubu’s approach is unconstitutional as it lacks any legal backing.
“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,” he added
Amaechi, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, warned that the situation in Rivers State is part of a larger plot by certain individuals to seize control of the state through unconstitutional means.
He called on politicians, state governors, and lawmakers to resist what he described as a descent into totalitarianism.
“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. The unfolding events in Rivers State in the past months point to a clear orchestrated plot by some persons to unconstitutionally perpetrate and impose themselves on the people,” he stated.
He urged the National Assembly to reject the suspension and take decisive action against what he termed an “audacious violation” of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, silence at such a critical moment could set a dangerous precedent for future political interference.
“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,” he charged.
Amaechi commended governors who have openly opposed the suspension, noting that they hold significant influence in safeguarding the country’s democracy.
He reiterated that the move to impose emergency rule in Rivers State is an unacceptable affront to constitutional governance and must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians.
“This suspension is a very dangerous affront to Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy. Mr President must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality cannot stand,” he warned.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
