Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and minister of transportation, has vehemently opposed President Bola Tinubu’s recent proclamation of a state of emergency in the state. Amaechi asserted that the action is a part of a larger political ploy to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as published by Vanguard Newspaper on Wednesday, March 19. Amaechi expressed his disapproval of the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and state assembly members in a statement headlined “My Immediate Reaction To The Undemocratic, Unconstitutional Suspension Of Elected State Officials In Rivers State.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Describing the move as “reckless and unilateral,” Amaechi argued it constitutes an attack on democratic governance. He asserted that the President’s action has effectively derailed democratic processes in Rivers State, violating constitutional provisions, particularly Section 188, which outlines due procedures for the lawful removal of a governor.
He went further to accuse President Tinubu of arrogating powers he does not constitutionally possess, stating that no president can remove a sitting governor merely by proclamation. Amaechi expressed concern that this situation reflects a larger scheme by some political actors to override the will of the people without legal justification.
In his call to action, Amaechi appealed to the National Assembly, Nigerian Governors Forum, and concerned citizens to rise against what he termed a dangerous erosion of constitutional order. He emphasized that all defenders of democracy must reject this abuse of power and protect the nation’s democratic integrity. He warned that failure to resist such actions could set a dangerous precedent for the country’s political future.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
