Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has fiercely condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state’s lawmakers, calling it an outright assault on democracy.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Amaechi described the move as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a dangerous precedent that must not be allowed to stand.
“By this singular act, Mr. President has effectively suspended democracy in Rivers State. The Nigerian Constitution does not grant him the power to dissolve an elected government by fiat,” Amaechi declared.
He called on the National Assembly, state governors, and Nigerians to resist what he described as an “illegal power grab,” warning that it could pave the way for more executive overreach in the future.
“Tinubu Has No Power to Suspend a Governor”
Amaechi argued that Section 305 of the Constitution, which grants the President the authority to declare a state of emergency, does not include the power to remove elected officials. He insisted that Governor Fubara can only be removed through a legally defined impeachment process, not a presidential directive.
“This is not about political affiliations; this is about protecting democracy. If we allow this to stand in Rivers, what stops it from happening elsewhere?” he asked.
Amaechi also accused certain political actors of orchestrating a forced takeover of the state government, urging all Nigerians—regardless of party—to reject what he termed an unconstitutional act.
“Governors Must Speak Up”
Commending governors who had already voiced opposition to the move, Amaechi urged others to take a stand.
“At this crucial moment in Nigeria’s democracy, all well-meaning leaders must rise against this attack on our Constitution. We cannot sit back and watch the democratic process be trampled upon,” he warned.
His statement comes amid growing debate over Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers. While some argue it was necessary to restore order, critics see it as a dangerous overreach that threatens Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
