Former federal minister of transport, and Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed his disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of emergency rule and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Amaechi’s comments followed Tinubu’s nationwide address on Tuesday, in which he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended these key elected officials for a period of six months.
As part of the emergency response, Tinubu appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to serve as the sole administrator of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Amaechi characterized the suspension as “undemocratic” and a clear breach of Nigeria’s Constitution.
He stated, “I unequivocally condemn the brazen and unilateral suspension and removal of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Amaechi argued that this action effectively “suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State” and contradicted the very Constitution that Tinubu pledged to uphold.
Amaechi contended that Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution delineates the legal framework for the removal of a state governor, emphasizing that it does not empower the president to unilaterally dismiss an elected official.
“A democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation from the President. The suspension of two essential democratically elected branches of Government in Rivers State by the President clearly contravenes our Constitution, even when considering the context and interpretation of Section 305 referenced in his address.”
The former governor also cautioned that this suspension is indicative of a broader scheme by certain political actors to unlawfully usurp power in Rivers State.
Amaechi urged politicians, state governors, and legislators to denounce what he characterized as a perilous assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
“At this unfortunate juncture in our nation’s history, all individuals of goodwill and integrity must unite to oppose this brazen infringement of our Constitution and the degradation of our democracy. The President must be made to comprehend unequivocally that this illegality is unacceptable.”
He further called on the National Assembly to reject the emergency declaration, labeling it a violation of the nation’s democratic values.
“As a former State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), I recognize the significant role that elected Governors can play in halting this decline and reversing the unlawful actions of the President. I commend those Governors who have voiced their opposition to this unlawful suspension.”
“The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.” Amechi said.
Similarly, in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, also criticized the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, describing it as undemocratic.
Mr. Obi asserted that this action contravenes the rule of law and poses a threat to Nigeria’s democratic framework. He expressed concern that such a situation could reverse the advancements the nation has achieved over the past 26 years in its democratic evolution.
He stated, “The circumstances in Rivers do not warrant such a drastic measure, and it represents a skewed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. A state of emergency does not equate to the unilateral removal of an elected governor. This decision is inconsistent with democratic principles and good governance. It seems to be a premeditated action that serves particular interests rather than the collective welfare of the people of Rivers and Nigeria. This constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, establishing a perilous precedent that jeopardizes democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.”
Mr. Obi urged the National Assembly and all relevant stakeholders to prevent this decision from being upheld in the interest of democracy and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
In their own response to this significant development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The PDP contended that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) are unlawful, characterizing it as an assault on democracy. The party emphasized that the president lacks the exclusive authority to declare a state of emergency without the involvement of the National Assembly, labeling the action as unconstitutional and detrimental to democratic governance.
The party has also opposed the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state’s administrator.
In a statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party characterized President Tinubu’s actions as a breach of the 1999 Constitution and an effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to execute a “state capture.”
The PDP has cautioned Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) against assuming office, asserting that any actions taken under the directives of President Tinubu would be illegal and could further destabilize the situation.
“Nigeria is not governed by military rule, where leadership is determined by the appointments of a junta. Therefore, the PDP urges Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and avoid any actions that might threaten democratic governance in Rivers State,” the party warned.
The PDP highlighted that the president does not possess the constitutional authority to unilaterally declare a state of emergency or suspend a democratically elected governor without adhering to proper procedures. “President Tinubu’s unconstitutional suspension of the duly elected Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the appointment of an unelected individual constitutes a direct attack on our nation’s democracy,” the party declared.
The party emphasized that this action undermines the will of the people of Rivers State, who elected Fubara for a four-year term, and characterized the move as “approaching an attempt at state capture.”
Referring to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the PDP contended that Tinubu does not have the power to declare and implement a state of emergency without the consent of the National Assembly. “To clarify, Section 305 (2) states that ‘The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives… to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation,’” the statement elaborated.
The party asserted that the justifications provided by Tinubu for the declaration of a state of emergency were inadequate, and it further contended that the president’s unilateral action lacks constitutional support. The PDP claimed that the emergency rule in Rivers is part of a larger strategy by the APC aimed at suppressing opposition voices and establishing a one-party system. “The enforcement of emergency rule in Rivers State is a component of a more extensive, malicious scheme to instill a siege mentality throughout Nigeria, dismantle opposition, impose a totalitarian one-party regime, and transform the nation into a personal domain,” the party declared.
Additionally, the PDP accused the APC of intentionally inciting turmoil in Rivers State to justify the imposition of emergency rule and to seize control of the state. The party urged democratic institutions and the citizens of Nigeria to oppose Tinubu’s actions, reaffirming that Governor Fubara is the rightful leader of Rivers State. The atmosphere in Rivers remains charged, with significant responses anticipated from political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and legal experts regarding the ongoing constitutional crisis.
Meanwhile, unverified reports suggest that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), allegedly provided financial support to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to garner backing from senators for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Sources indicate that Wike met with Akpabio following President Tinubu’s directive to prepare for the state of emergency.
It is reported that Wike contributed over $3 million to Akpabio during their discussion, after which Akpabio hosted an Iftar gathering for select senators, where he purportedly distributed cash based on their rank. Notably, some senators, including former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, reportedly chose not to attend the Iftar.
On Wednesday, the Senate received an official communication from President Tinubu concerning the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly.
Although the motion regarding this issue was initially scheduled as the first item on the agenda, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders to postpone the discussion until 3 p.m. This motion received support from Minority Leader Abba Moro. Sources suggest that Akpabio intentionally delayed the debate until 3 p.m. to ensure a lower turnout of senators, as fewer than 60 senators were present, significantly below the 72 required for a quorum to conduct a vote.
In the House of Representatives, a vote on Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration was unsuccessful due to insufficient quorum. The House mandates a minimum of 240 members for a valid vote, yet fewer than 80 lawmakers attended the plenary session. Consequently, the session was restricted to non-binding activities.
Tensions escalated prior to the session, as certain lawmakers participated in intense discussions regarding the state of emergency. Several members appeared noticeably exasperated, raising doubts about the validity of the measure, particularly in light of constitutional issues surrounding the president’s power to dismiss an elected governor.
Share the story!
You can create wealth, live healthier, look better, and be more knowledgeable. You deserve this life! Do not hesitate to earn it, visit our marketplace today.