A former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of breaching Nigeria’s constitution by removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
While speaking at the 9th Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos, themed “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” Amaechi also criticised the National Assembly, labelling it a weak institution complicit in enabling what he described as an illegal government.
According to the former Rivers State governor, governance in Nigeria is increasingly shaped by personal whims rather than the rule of law.
He said: “For a president or governor who believes that whatever they do becomes law, the rule of law no longer exists. What we’re seeing now is government by personal discretion. The declaration of an unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State, with the help of a feeble National Assembly, highlights this disturbing trend.
“What’s even more troubling is that the issue isn’t just about breaking the law—it’s about violating the Constitution. The constitution is the sacred foundation of any nation. When that is breached, the entire system is compromised.”
Amaechi further lamented: “The president unilaterally removed a democratically elected governor and installed a military administrator, and the country simply moved on as if nothing happened.”
News Band reported that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State weeks ago due to the ongoing political unrest.
He suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly, appointing retired military officer Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s administrator.