Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, In a press release has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials in Rivers State. Amaechi described the move as a “brazen and unilaterally reckless act, targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.” This suspension followed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, amid escalating political tensions in the state.
Violation of Constitutional Principles
Amaechi argued that Tinubu’s actions represent a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic framework. “With this singular move, Mr. President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State,” he stated. He emphasized that the suspension violates the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which Tinubu swore to uphold.
Citing Section 188, Amaechi pointed out that the process for removing a state governor is clearly outlined and does not include a “fiat declaration, decree, or promulgation” by the President and that he cannot appropriate such powers to himself,” Amaechi asserted, reinforcing that a democratically elected governor cannot be removed by mere presidential proclamation.
Misapplication of State of Emergency Powers
The former governor also challenged Tinubu’s reliance on Section 305, which permits the declaration of a state of emergency under extreme circumstances. Amaechi contended that even within this provision’s scope, the suspension of two democratically elected arms of government the executive and legislative branches exceeds constitutional limits.
“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 declared. This, he argued, sets a perilous precedent for Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
Allegations of a Power Grab
Amaechi did not mince words in alleging a broader conspiracy behind the emergency declaration. He described the suspension as an “unlawful maneuver signaling a brazen attempt at power grab in the State by forces and persons who do not have such Constitutional powers.”
He linked the move to recent political unrest in Rivers State, “the unfolding events in Rivers State in the past months point to a clearly orchestrated plot by some persons to unconstitutionally perpetrate and impose themselves on the people.”
Call to Action Against Democratic Erosion
Amaechi urged Nigerians to resist what he called an “audacious violation of our Constitution and rape of our democracy.” He stressed the urgency of the moment: “At this inauspicious moment in our nation’s trajectory, all people of goodwill and conscience should rise to oppose this.”
He directly called out Tinubu, “Mr. President must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality cannot stand.” Amaechi rallied politicians across party lines, state governors, and legislators to speak out and halt what he warned could be Nigeria’s “descent into totalitarianism.”
He specifically urged the National Assembly to reject the emergency declaration and its accompanying suspensions.
Drawing on his tenure as a former Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Amaechi underscored his understanding of the critical role governors can play in reversing such actions. “I am not unaware of the role elected Governors in the country can play to halt this descent and reverse the unlawful actions of Mr. President,” he said.
He commended governors who have already voiced opposition to the suspension, signaling a potential coalition of state leaders against Tinubu’s move.
A Dangerous Precedent for Nigeria’s Democracy
Amaechi concluded his statement with a stark warning “The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.” Rt Rotimi Amaechi reflects his deep concern for the future of democratic governance in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
His outspoken critique challenges the legality and implications of Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration, amplifying its national debate.
