My Immediate Reaction to Rivers State's Unlawful Suspension -- Rt. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

My Immediate Reaction to Rivers State's Unlawful Suspension -- Rt. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

 I strongly condemn the shocking and unilateral suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This brazen move is a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State.

The suspension is not only reckless but also unconstitutional, as it undermines the nation's democracy and sets a dangerous precedent. Furthermore, the appointment of an administrator to govern the state is equally unlawful and a clear affront to the democratic process.

This actions have severe implications for the rule of law, democratic governance, and the stability of Nigeria's political system. It's crucial that we stand up against such blatant disregard for constitutional principles and demand that the President respects the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State.

With this singular move, Mr President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State. This clearly violates our Constitution, the same Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Mr. President swore to uphold.

 

Section 188 of the Nigeria Constitution, clearly stipulates how a State Governor can be removed from office. And it does not include a fiat declaration, decree or promulgation by Mr. President. Therefore, he cannot appropriate such powers to himself.

 

A democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation of Mr. President. The suspension of two key democratically elected arms of Government in Rivers State by Mr. President evidently violates our Constitution, even within the scope and interpretation of Section 305 that the President cited in his broadcast.

 

The unlawful suspension of elected democratic institutions in my dear Rivers State points to a brazen attempt at power grab in the State by forces and persons who do not have such Constitutional powers. The unfolding events in Rivers State in the past months, points to a clear orchestrated plot by some persons to unconstitutionally perpetrate and impose themselves on the people.

 

At this inauspicious moment in our nation’s trajectory, all people of goodwill and conscience should rise to oppose this audacious violation of our Constitution and rape of our democracy. Mr President must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality cannot stand.

 

Politicians across divides should speak up; rise to halt our nation’s descent into totalitarianism. State Governors and Legislators should speak up now. I urge the National Assembly to reject this illegality.

As a former State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum(NGF), I am not unaware of the role elected Governors in the country can play to halt this descent and reverse the unlawful actions of Mr. President. I commend the Governors that have spoken against the unlawful suspension. 

 

The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.