A former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has joined the growing opposition against the President’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly amid a declared state of emergency in the region.
In response to the ongoing political turmoil in the South-South state, President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency on Tuesday, which included suspending the governor, his deputy, and all state lawmakers.
However, Amaechi, who served as Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, strongly criticised the President’s action, saying that it represents a power grab and signifies the nation’s slide into totalitarianism.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Amaechi indicated that Tinubu’s decision clearly violates the Nigerian Constitution.
He urged concerned Nigerians to voice their dissent, particularly appealing to the Nigerian Governors Forum, which he believes can “overturn the unlawful actions” of the President.
“Unequivocally, I condemn the rather brazen and unilaterally reckless suspension and removal of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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 violates our Constitution, even within the scope and interpretation of Section 305 that the President cited in his broadcast.
“The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.” The statement said.
President Tinubu nominated and swore in Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for an initial six months.
