Emergency Rule: “Weakness of NASS Enabled Tinubu’s Constitutional Breach” — Amaechi

Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, expressed his concerns over the recent removal of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor, criticizing the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu. According to Amaechi, the president’s action constitutes a breach of the constitution, which he argues has been further enabled by the ineffectiveness of the National Assembly. He described the institution as weak, suggesting that it played a role in supporting an unconstitutional action that saw the establishment of what he termed an “illegal government” in Rivers.

Amaechi made these remarks during the 9th Edition of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation’s Annual Leadership Discourse, themed “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” held in Lagos. During his speech, he emphasized that the failure of institutions, like the National Assembly, to hold the government accountable was a significant factor in the erosion of constitutional governance.

He further expressed his frustration with what he perceives as a broader issue of docility among Nigerians in holding leaders accountable. According to Amaechi, the absence of courageous leadership is often a reflection of a failed system where governance is no longer rooted in law but driven by the whims of those in power. He warned that such governance breeds arbitrariness and undermines the rule of law.

On the president’s role, Amaechi stated, “The president didn’t break any law. He broke the constitution. The constitution is the Bible of the country, and its sanctity must be protected.” He was particularly alarmed by the president’s decision to remove an elected governor and replace him with a military figure without any significant backlash. He questioned the state of the nation, suggesting that the disregard for the constitution set a dangerous precedent.

In contrast, Jimi Agbaje, the 2015 PDP governorship candidate, suggested that fearless leadership could only emerge in an enabling environment. He lamented the challenges leaders face when speaking truth to power, noting that political and social systems should be structured in a way that allows leaders to act fearlessly without fearing for their personal and family security.

The event’s convener, Akinjide Adeosun, emphasized the importance of fostering strong leadership that can bring about societal change. He stressed the need for a shift from bad governance to excellent leadership, one that would address fundamental issues like water supply, electricity, security, and industrialization, ultimately improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

In summary, Amaechi’s remarks reflect deep concerns about constitutional breaches, institutional weakness, and the broader implications of poor governance in Nigeria, while Agbaje and Adeosun highlighted the need for a conducive environment that nurtures fearless leadership for sustainable development.