Former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Amaechi described the move as “brazen and unilaterally reckless” and a clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

According to Amaechi, Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly stipulates how a State Governor can be removed from office, and it does not include a fiat declaration, decree, or promulgation by the President. “A democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation of Mr. President,” Amaechi emphasized.

Amaechi also expressed concern that the suspension of the two key democratically elected arms of Government in Rivers State by the President is an attempt to grab power by forces and persons who do not have such Constitutional powers. He urged all people of goodwill and conscience to rise to oppose this violation of the Constitution and rape of democracy.

Furthermore, Amaechi called on politicians across divides to speak up and rise to halt the nation’s descent into totalitarianism. He also urged State Governors and Legislators to speak up now and commended those who have already spoken against the unlawful suspension. “The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy,” Amaechi warned ¹.