Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly condemned Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.
In a statement released on March 19, 2025, Amaechi described the action as unconstitutional and a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy.
Amaechi argued that the Nigerian Constitution, under Section 188, clearly outlines the process for removing a state governor, which does not include a presidential declaration.
He insisted that Tinubu’s decision to suspend elected officials was an illegal power grab that undermines the democratic institutions of Rivers State.
He also dismissed the Tinubu’s reliance on Section 305, which deals with a state of emergency, stating that it does not justify the suspension of democratic structures.
Amaechi has called on politicians, state governors, and lawmakers across party lines to speak out against what he described as a dangerous precedent.
He urged the National Assembly to reject the president’s actions and prevent Nigeria from sliding into totalitarianism.
According to him, the suspension reflects an orchestrated plot by certain individuals to impose their will on the people of Rivers State.
Amaechi praised governors who have publicly condemned the move and emphasized the role of elected leaders in resisting unconstitutional actions.
He warned that allowing such an abuse of power to stand could threaten democracy across Nigeria, urging immediate action to reverse the suspension.
The Rivers political crisis continues to escalate, with reactions pouring in from political stakeholders and civil society organisations.
