Rotimi Amaechi has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He argues that these actions violate the Nigerian Constitution and represent a dangerous erosion of democracy. Amaechi calls for collective opposition from citizens and politicians to preserve democratic processes in Nigeria.
Rotimi Amaechi, the ex-governor of Rivers State, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the assembly for six months. This move has exacerbated an ongoing political crisis involving the governor and his political patron, Nyesom Wike, currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The President’s actions have faced widespread condemnation from prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
In a public statement, Mr. Amaechi expressed his strong disapproval: “Unequivocally, I condemn the rather brazen and unilaterally reckless suspension… by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With this singular move, Mr. President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State.” He emphasized that this act contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, particularly referencing Section 188, which outlines lawful procedures for removing a governor.
Amaechi pointed out the unlawful nature of these actions and argued that they demonstrate a blatant attempt to seize power from duly elected officials. He stated, “The unfolding events in Rivers State… points to a clear orchestrated plot by some persons to unconstitutionally perpetrate and impose themselves on the people.” He implored citizens with a sense of justice to oppose these actions and warned against the country’s potential drift toward totalitarianism.
Amaechi commended fellow governors who voiced their opposition to the unlawful suspension, asserting that such actions represent a direct threat to the nation’s constitutional democracy. He called upon politicians from all sides, including the National Assembly, to reject these illegal measures, urging collective action to reverse them. He noted, “I commend the governors that have spoken publicly against the unlawful suspension. The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.”
The statements made by Rotimi Amaechi convey a strong condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s recent actions in Rivers State, which he argues undermine constitutional democracy. The discourse emphasizes the necessity for collective political action to uphold legal frameworks, calling on citizens and politicians alike to resist any encroachments on democratic processes in Nigeria. Achieving unity among opposing factions is crucial to safeguarding the nation’s democratic integrity.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
