“We are witnessing a government driven not by the rule of law but by the whims of an individual” – Rotimi Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of violating Nigeria’s constitution by removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Amaechi also criticized the National Assembly, describing it as a weak institution that enabled what he termed an “illegal government.”

Speaking at the 9th Edition of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos, themed “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” Amaechi expressed deep concern over what he called the “erosion of constitutional governance in Nigeria.”

“For a governor or a president who subscribes to such a concept, it is what he or she does that becomes law—not what is written in the constitution,” he said. “We are witnessing a government driven not by the rule of law but by the whims of an individual.”

Amaechi condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional,” and claimed that the National Assembly played a complicit role due to its weakness.

“What is even more alarming is that this isn’t just a breach of the law—it’s a breach of the constitution. The constitution is the Bible of a nation, and its sanctity must be upheld,” he said.

He further alleged that President Tinubu removed an elected governor and appointed a military officer to oversee the state, yet the nation remained silent.

President Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers State amid ongoing political turmoil. He also suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly, appointing Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator of the state.