Former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating a brazen power grab through the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly members.
Amaechi in a statement he signed described the move as undemocratic, unconstitutional, and a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s democracy.
“This is a reckless and unilateral abuse of power by Mr. President,”
“By suspending elected officials in Rivers State, Tinubu has effectively truncated democracy in the state, violating the Constitution he swore to uphold.” Amaechi stated.
Amaechi emphasized that Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution provides clear guidelines for removing a state governor, none of which include a presidential proclamation
. “A democratically elected governor cannot be removed by fiat. This is a blatant overreach that undermines the rule of law,” he said.
He further criticized Tinubu’s use of Section 305 of the Constitution, which the President cited as the basis for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
“Even under Section 305, the President’s actions are a gross misinterpretation of his powers. Suspending two key arms of government in the state is unconstitutional and dangerous,” Amaechi argued.
The former governor linked the suspension to a larger plan to impose control over Rivers State.
“This is an orchestrated plot by certain forces to grab power in Rivers State, sidelining the democratic will of the people. Such actions are unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” he warned.
Amaechi called on leaders across Nigeria to resist the move, urging them to rise against what he described as a dangerous precedent.
“Politicians, governors, and legislators must speak out now to halt this descent into totalitarianism. If we allow this to stand, it will set a precedent that threatens democracy nationwide,” he cautioned.
Commending the governors who have criticized the President’s actions, Amaechi encouraged others to join the fight.
“Governors across party lines must unite to reject this assault on democracy. As a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, I know the collective strength they wield in safeguarding our democratic processes,” he said.
The former governor also called on the National Assembly to intervene and reject the President’s actions.
“This power grab must not stand. The National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to protect the rule of law and the democratic rights of the people,” he stated.
Amaechi warned that Tinubu’s actions could erode trust in democratic institutions.
“This is not just about Rivers State. It is about the future of Nigeria’s democracy. If this illegality is allowed to persist, it will embolden further constitutional violations,” he said.
Amaechi urged Nigerians to resist the power grab. “The people must stand up for democracy. This is a defining moment for our nation, and we must ensure that the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land,” he concluded.
