Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has once again condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it as illegal and a violation of the Constitution’s sanctity.
Amaechi expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the coastal road construction project, questioning the processes involved in awarding the contract.
The former governor also criticized the National Assembly (NASS), calling it weak and ineffective. He argued that both the legislative and judicial branches of the government have been overshadowed by the executive arm, leading to a governance system without sufficient checks and balances.
In his address at the 2025 Akinjide Adeosun Foundation’s (AAF) Leadership Colloquium and Awards held on Thursday in Lagos, Amaechi spoke on the theme, ‘Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development.’ He urged Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders.
Amaechi emphasized that the state of emergency in Rivers was not just a legal issue but a breach of the Constitution itself. He questioned the legitimacy of the president’s actions, claiming that Tinubu had overstepped his authority by removing an elected governor and replacing him with a military officer.
He further argued that the weakness of the National Assembly had contributed to an unchecked executive, with little to no accountability for the president’s decisions. According to Amaechi, the lack of an active legislature has led to an erosion of the rule of law, with the executive assuming the powers of both the legislature and judiciary.
Amaechi stressed that a responsible government must operate under the rule of law and uphold the separation of powers. Without a strong parliament and judiciary, he warned that the government would become arbitrary, with the executive making decisions without checks, potentially leading to injustice and abuse of power.
Turning his attention to the coastal road project, Amaechi raised concerns about the alleged lack of due process in the awarding of the contract. He questioned whether the project followed proper legal procedures, stating that arbitrary decision-making undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for governance in the country.
