Suspension Of Rivers State Governor, Others, Reckless, Unconstitutional -Amaechi
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
Former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi has described as reckless and unconstitutional the suspension of elected state officials in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu announced the suspension of the the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, following the declaration of state of emergency in the state on Tuesday.
The decision, according to him, was as a result of the protracted political issues in the state, which he claimed has stalled democratic governance, thus affecting the good people of the state.
Reacting to the development, Amaechi said, the action was clearly a violation of the Constitution, “the same Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Mr. President swore to uphold.”
He contended that Section 188 of the Nigeria Constitution, clearly stipulates how a State Governor can be removed from office, and does not include a fiat declaration, decree or promulgation by Mr. President, therefore, he cannot appropriate such powers to himself.
He said “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 former transport minister alleged that the action was a clear orchestrated plot by some power grabbers to hijack the state.
“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,” Amaechi said.
He, therefore, urged all people of goodwill and conscience to rise and oppose the audacious violation of the Constitution and rape of democracy, saying that “Mr President must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality cannot stand.”
Adding: “Politicians across the divide 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 Nigerian 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,” he said.
While commending the Governors that have spoken publicly against the unlawful suspension, Amaechi said the suspension was a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.
