Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s enactment of a state of emergency in Rivers State, involving the suspension of the governor and assembly members. He asserts this action undermines democracy and contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, urging political leaders to oppose such unconstitutional moves.
Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state assembly members. This decision has provoked severe backlash from various opposition leaders, notably Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who view it as a violation of democratic principles.
In his statement, Mr. Amaechi condemned the actions as “brazen and unilaterally reckless, stating that the President has effectively suspended democracy in Rivers State. He emphasized that such a move contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, specifically mentioning that Section 188 outlines the lawful procedure for removing a state governor, which does not empower the President to act unilaterally.
Mr. Amaechi alleged that the recent developments in Rivers point to an unconstitutional effort by certain individuals to impose themselves on the state’s governance. He called upon citizens and all political entities to reject this breach of constitutional authority unequivocally, emphasizing that the actions of Mr. Tinubu must not be allowed to stand unchallenged.
As a former governor and an experienced political figure, Mr. Amaechi acknowledged the crucial role of elected officials in resisting such unconstitutional moves. He praised those governors who have publicly opposed the suspension, calling it a serious threat to the nation’s constitutional integrity and democratic systems.
In summary, Rotimi Amaechi has publicly denounced President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as a violation of democracy and the Constitution. He urges collective action from political leaders and citizens to counteract what he describes as an illegitimate power grab, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to constitutional procedures in governance. It is crucial for elected officials to unite in the face of such challenges to preserve Nigeria’s democratic values.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
