Rivers: Former Governor Amaechi condemns State of Emergency

Rotimi Amaechi has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, calling it a “brazen attempt at power grab.”

The controversial decision, announced on Tuesday, saw Tinubu suspend the state’s governor, deputy governor, and members of the state assembly, appointing retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s administrator.

The president’s declaration has sparked intense debate, with reactions sharply divided along political lines. While some support the move as a necessary step to restore stability amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers, others, including Amaechi, argue that it undermines democratic institutions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Amaechi, a former presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), accused the federal government of orchestrating the crisis in Rivers for political gain.

“The suspension of elected democratic institutions in Rivers State is nothing short of an attack on democracy itself,” he stated.

Amaechi further urged politicians and lawmakers to reject Tinubu’s proclamation, warning that allowing such a decision to stand could set a dangerous precedent. He insisted that the removal of a sitting governor must follow constitutional procedures, not unilateral executive action.

“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,” Amaechi declared.

“With this singular move, Mr. President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State. This violates our Constitution, the same Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Mr. President swore to uphold.”

Citing Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, Amaechi emphasized that the removal of a state governor must adhere to legal provisions and cannot be executed through a presidential decree.

“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.”

Amaechi called on state governors, legislators, and civil society groups to take a stand against what he described as an “audacious violation of our Constitution and rape of our democracy.”

“Mr President must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality cannot stand. State Governors and Legislators should speak up now. I urge the National Assembly to reject this illegality.”