Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using the recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State as a tactic to pressure governors into supporting his 2027 re-election campaign.
In an interview with DW Africa on Friday, Amaechi strongly criticized the decision, calling it politically motivated.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing political unrest and the destruction of oil facilities as reasons for his action.
This led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months.
Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
The move has sparked backlash from critics, including civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who have called it unconstitutional.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers, believes that the emergency rule is an attempt to intimidate governors into backing the president’s re-election.
He claimed that the measure has created fear among state leaders, suggesting that any governor who opposes the president might face similar treatment.
He pointed out that the declaration of emergency over pipeline vandalism raises questions about security concerns in other regions, including the north-east, north-west, south-east, and south-west.
According to Amaechi, the president cannot impose emergency rule over himself despite ongoing security challenges in those areas.
Amaechi also criticized the suspension of Governor Fubara, arguing that security matters in the state are under federal control, not the governor’s jurisdiction.
He questioned why Fubara was being held accountable for issues outside his control.
In conclusion, Amaechi urged Rivers residents to stand against the president’s actions.
He called for peaceful protests to show opposition to the emergency rule and the suspension of their elected leaders.
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