Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of breaching Nigeria’s constitution in his handling of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, and blamed a weak National Assembly for enabling what he described as an “unconstitutional act.”
Speaking on Thursday at the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation’s Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos, themed “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” Amaechi criticised the suspension of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and some members of the state assembly, attributing it to a breakdown of constitutional governance.
According to Amaechi, the legislative arm of government failed in its responsibility to check the executive’s excesses, thereby facilitating unconstitutional actions by the presidency. “This is not just a breach of law,” he said, “it is a breach of the Constitution — the sacred document upon which our democracy rests.”
He lamented what he called an increasing tendency towards arbitrariness in governance, driven by leaders who rule by personal discretion rather than adherence to legal frameworks. “Good governance is about the rule of law and the separation of powers. But where these are absent, leadership becomes a function of whims and caprices,” Amaechi said.
He continued, “What we are witnessing today in Rivers State is not only a political crisis but a dangerous precedent. The president acted in a manner that amounts to removing an elected governor and imposing control, all under the silence of the legislature.”
Amaechi’s remarks come amid tensions in Rivers State, where internal divisions within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have escalated. President Tinubu has been accused by critics of favouring Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, at the expense of due process and democratic norms.
Amaechi warned that when democratic institutions fail to act independently, it opens the door to authoritarianism. “The National Assembly should be the guardian of our democracy, yet they have been grossly silent,” he said. “It is this silence, this inaction, that emboldens the executive to override constitutional boundaries.”
He added that a truly democratic system must be driven by accountability and institutional strength — not by individuals. “When you start looking for ‘fearless leaders,’ it means the system has failed. In a working democracy, the system—not a person—ensures accountability.”
Amaechi also challenged Nigerian citizens to move beyond passive acceptance of governance failures. “There are two types of followership: fearless and docile. Unfortunately, Nigeria seems to resonate more with the latter,” he noted.
“The Constitution is not just a legal document—it is the country’s Bible. Its sanctity must be protected at all costs. When citizens fail to demand accountability, they empower bad governance and institutional decay.”
Amaechi’s speech is seen by many as a call for reform in both leadership and the national mindset. He emphasised the need for more institutional independence and the cultivation of democratic values across all levels of governance.
“Nigeria’s political future hinges on strengthening institutions like the judiciary and legislature, ensuring they can stand up to executive excesses without fear,” he said.
While he stopped short of calling for mass protests, Amaechi hinted at the growing frustration among Nigerians, warning that continued disregard for constitutional order could lead to further instability.
His comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his outspokenness and others questioning his motivations given his own past political alliances. However, his critique adds to a growing list of voices alarmed by the state of Nigeria’s democracy, especially as President Tinubu continues to consolidate power amid mounting opposition.
As Rivers State remains embroiled in political tension and the National Assembly faces scrutiny for its silence, Amaechi’s remarks could trigger renewed debate about the roles of elected officials, the durability of Nigeria’s constitution, and the direction of its democratic project.