Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has fiercely condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers, calling it a political maneuver aimed at silencing opposition.
EMERGENCY RULE: A CONTROVERSIAL DECISION
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing political instability and oil facility vandalism. The move led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months, replacing them with a federal-appointed sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas.
AMAECHEI: “TINUBU WANTS TO FRIGHTEN GOVERNORS”
In a scathing interview with DW Africa, Amaechi slammed the decision as a dangerous power grab, warning that it sends a chilling message to other governors.
“They want to frighten governors who may not support them in 2027. Now there’s a rumor everywhere—if you are not careful, the president will remove you.”
Amaechi further questioned Tinubu’s justification for the emergency rule:
“If it’s about insecurity and pipeline vandalism, what about other parts of the country facing worse insecurity? Shouldn’t the president impose emergency rule on himself too?”
“TINUBU ACTED OUTSIDE THE CONSTITUTION”
The former governor argued that Tinubu’s actions violate Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, which clearly outlines the only legal ways a governor can leave office—death, resignation, or impeachment.
“The Constitution doesn’t say that one day the President of Nigeria can just wake up and throw a governor out of office.”
Amaechi called on Rivers residents to resist Tinubu’s actions, urging them to engage in democratic protests.
“RIVERS STATE IS UNDER MILITARY RULE”
Addressing the political feud between Governor Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed it as a struggle over state funds:
“The fight is about sharing money. Nigerians don’t even question corruption anymore. Can both of them just tell the public what the real problem is?”
He declared that Rivers is the only state in Nigeria currently not enjoying democracy, warning that Tinubu’s move sets a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state governance.
“They have imposed military rule on us.”
