In a scathing critique of recent political developments in Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, has publicly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The statement, issued on March 19, 2025, comes in the wake of Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, a move that has ignited fierce debate across Nigeria’s political landscape. Amaechi’s remarks underscore deep concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the potential for federal overreach in state affairs.
Amaechi’s Strong Words: A Constitutional Violation
Amaechi wasted no time in labeling the suspension an “undemocratic and unconstitutional” act, arguing that it represents a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s constitutional framework. In a detailed reaction shared via social media and reported widely, he described the removal of elected officials as a “brazen attempt at a power grab” in Rivers State. “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,” Amaechi declared, urging citizens to resist what he sees as an alarming precedent.
He specifically challenged Tinubu’s invocation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for emergency measures in times of national peril. Amaechi argued that the suspension of a sitting governor, deputy, and lawmakers exceeds the legal scope of this provision, calling it “reckless” and “unilaterally executed.” His critique aligns with sentiments from legal experts and opposition figures who question whether the crisis in Rivers justified such drastic federal intervention.
The Rivers Crisis: A Political Powder Keg
The backdrop to Amaechi’s condemnation is a months-long political feud in Rivers State, pitting Governor Fubara against his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The conflict has paralyzed governance, with Wike-aligned lawmakers—27 of whom defected from the PDP to the APC—clashing with Fubara’s administration. This tension culminated in Tinubu’s March 18 broadcast, where he suspended Fubara and the state assembly, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as administrator for an initial six-month period.
Tinubu blamed Fubara for the crisis, citing actions like the demolition of the state assembly complex in 2023 and alleged failures to curb security threats, such as pipeline vandalism. However, Amaechi’s stance echoes a growing chorus of voices—including the PDP Governors’ Forum—that accuses the president of bias by ignoring Wike’s role in escalating the turmoil. Amaechi’s history as Wike’s predecessor adds a layer of intrigue, given their own bitter rivalry during and after his governorship from 2007 to 2015.
A Call to Action Amid National Outcry
Amaechi’s statement goes beyond mere criticism, issuing a clarion call for resistance. “Mr. President must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality evidently violates our Constitution,” he asserted, suggesting that the move threatens not just Rivers but Nigeria’s broader democratic stability. His words resonate with posts on X, where users have expressed outrage over the suspension, with some labeling it a “coup” against elected leadership.
The former governor’s reaction aligns with broader public and political sentiment. The Nigerian Bar Association has deemed the suspension unconstitutional, while PDP governors have rallied behind Fubara, calling Tinubu’s actions “unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive.” Even within the APC, where Amaechi remains a prominent figure, the emergency rule has stirred unease, with some questioning whether it serves partisan interests over national unity.
Rivers’ Turbulent Past Meets Present Drama
Amaechi’s intervention carries weight given his deep ties to Rivers State. During his tenure, he navigated his own share of political battles, including a fallout with then-President Goodluck Jonathan and a bitter succession fight with Wike, who emerged as governor in 2015. Now, as Wike’s influence looms large over the current crisis—bolstered by his federal role under Tinubu—Amaechi’s condemnation suggests a convergence of old rivalries and new stakes.
The state’s strategic importance as an oil-producing hub amplifies the controversy. Any disruption in governance risks economic repercussions, particularly if security issues like vandalism persist under the new administrator. Amaechi’s critique thus frames the suspension as not only a political misstep but a potential trigger for wider instability.
What Lies Ahead?
As of March 20, 2025, the Rivers crisis shows no signs of abating. Amaechi’s outspoken opposition adds pressure on Tinubu to reconsider or justify his actions, while legal challenges loom on the horizon. The PDP has hinted at court action to test the suspension’s constitutionality, a move Amaechi’s rhetoric seems to endorse. Meanwhile, the appointment of an administrator answerable to the Federal Executive Council raises questions about local autonomy, with Wike’s shadow influence a persistent point of contention.
For Nigerians, the saga is a litmus test for democratic resilience. Will Tinubu’s administration double down, or will voices like Amaechi’s prompt a reversal? As the nation watches, Rivers State remains a battleground where personal ambitions, party loyalties, and constitutional norms collide—with consequences that could echo far beyond its borders.
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