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Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has condemned President Bola Tinubu's emergency rule in Rivers, calling it a "power grab." He argues that suspending elected officials violates Nigeria’s constitution and urges lawmakers to reject the move. The crisis has sparked a nationwide debate over executive overreach and democratic stability.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over the recent declaration of emergency rule in the state, describing it as a blatant attempt to seize power.

The controversial decision, announced on Tuesday, saw Tinubu suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. In their place, the president appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state's administrator, effectively sidelining elected officials.

Amaechi, a former presidential aspirant and key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), reacted sharply to the move. In a statement released Wednesday, he argued that the crisis in Rivers was being manipulated to serve the interests of certain political forces seeking control of the state.

“The president's actions amount to an outright violation of Nigeria’s democratic principles,” Amaechi said. “The suspension of elected institutions in Rivers is unconstitutional and an alarming overreach of executive power.”

Citing Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, Amaechi insisted that the removal of a sitting governor must follow due legal processes, warning that allowing Tinubu’s directive to stand could set a dangerous precedent. He urged lawmakers, state governors, and democratic institutions to reject the decision.

The emergency rule has sparked mixed reactions nationwide, with some supporting Tinubu’s intervention to restore order while others, like Amaechi, see it as a direct assault on democracy. Political analysts warn that the move could deepen Nigeria’s governance crisis and trigger further instability within the APC.

As tensions escalate, the national assembly faces increasing pressure to intervene, with the fate of Rivers State now a focal point in the country’s political landscape.