In a bold critique of the federal government’s recent actions, former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. Amaechi described the move as a direct violation of Nigeria’s democratic principles and constitutional provisions.
The former governor, who served from 2007 to 2015, asserted that the President’s decision effectively disrupts democratic governance in the state. He argued that the Nigerian Constitution clearly outlines the procedure for removing a sitting governor, and nowhere does it grant the President unilateral powers to suspend elected officials.
Highlighting the legal framework under Section 188 of the Constitution, Amaechi pointed out that the suspension was unconstitutional and an overreach of presidential authority. He also questioned the justification for the action, emphasizing that even under Section 305, which was referenced in the President’s statement, such a suspension remains unlawful.
Amaechi further suggested that the political crisis unfolding in Rivers State was not coincidental but rather part of a broader scheme to destabilize democratic institutions. He described the situation as a deliberate attempt by certain political forces to assert control over the state outside of constitutional means.
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Calling on Nigerians to resist what he termed an “assault on democracy,” he urged political leaders, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to reject the move and prevent further erosion of democratic norms. He also commended those who had already spoken against the suspension, stressing that silence in the face of such a development would set a dangerous precedent.
“This unconstitutional suspension is a direct attack on our democratic values and must not be allowed to stand,” Amaechi warned, emphasizing the need for immediate action to safeguard the nation’s constitutional integrity.
