Key Points

• Rotimi Amaechi condemned the suspension of Rivers State officials as unconstitutional.
• President Tinubu’s actions have sparked widespread criticism from political and legal groups.
• Amaechi warns of a dangerous attempt to seize power in Rivers State.

Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Amaechi described the actions as a “dangerous affront” to the Nigerian Constitution, calling on all Nigerians to resist what he sees as a violation of democracy.

President’s suspension of elected officials draws heavy criticism

On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for an initial six months.

The president cited “disturbing incidents,” including explosions and pipeline vandalism, linked to political crises as the justification for his actions.

However, this move has sparked strong opposition from various groups, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the PDP Governors Forum, who argue that the suspension violates the constitution.

Amaechi warns against power grab, calls for action

In his statement, Amaechi emphasized that the president’s actions breached the Nigerian Constitution, which the president had sworn to uphold.

He pointed out that no democratically elected state governor can be removed by a presidential proclamation.

Amaechi also stressed that such actions represent an unlawful attempt to seize power in Rivers State, orchestrated by forces seeking to impose their will on the people.

He called on politicians across Nigeria, especially state governors and lawmakers, to speak out against this “unlawful suspension” and warned that this violation of democracy must not stand.

He urged the National Assembly to reject this move to prevent the country from sliding into totalitarianism.