Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a strongly worded statement, former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned the recent suspension of the state’s Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement obtained by Africa Health Report (AHR), on Wednesday, Amaechi decried the suspension as an unconstitutional and undemocratic action that threatens the principles of governance in the country.
“With this singular move, Mr. President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State,” Amaechi asserted, emphasizing that the suspension violates the Nigerian Constitution, which the President is sworn to uphold.
The former Governor pointed out that Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution outlines the legal processes for the removal of a state governor, none of which include executive decrees by the President.
He criticized the unilateral actions taken, saying, “A democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation of Mr. President.”
Amaechi further accused some unnamed forces of plotting to impose themselves on the people of Rivers State, labelling the suspension a “brazen attempt at power grab.”
Amaechi urged all politicians, particularly state governors and legislators, to rise in opposition to this “audacious violation” of the Constitution and democracy. He called on the National Assembly to reject the suspension, warning of the dangers of allowing such actions to stand.
“This suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy,” he stated, urging the nation’s leaders to unite in defending the rule of law.
