Political Tensions in Rivers State: Amaechi Criticizes Tinubu’s Actions

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that the ongoing conflict between the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is rooted in money distribution.

In an interview with DW Africa on Saturday, Amaechi claimed that the dispute is not about governance but financial control.

“The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel? Nigerians don’t dislike corruption anymore. I’ve not seen anybody on the street questioning what the problem is. Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the issue is?” he said.

Amaechi also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional. He argued that the move was an overreach of executive power.

“We are now denied democracy. Rivers State is the only state in the country currently not enjoying democracy. They have imposed military rule on us," he stated.

Referencing the Nigerian Constitution, Amaechi insisted that Tinubu acted beyond his authority. “Section 188 states how a governor can leave office—either by death, resignation, or impeachment. It didn’t say that the President can wake up one day and remove a governor. This makes democracy unstable.”

The former governor further alleged that Tinubu’s involvement in Rivers State politics is part of a larger strategy to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Rumors are everywhere that if any governor is not careful, the President will remove them. So, the Rivers issue is about money sharing and 2027 politics," he claimed.

Amaechi also questioned Tinubu’s justification for the emergency declaration, stating that similar security concerns exist in other regions.

“If the President declared a state of emergency because of a pipeline explosion, what about other parts of the country facing insecurity? Would they also declare an emergency rule on him? There are insecurity issues in the North East, North West, South East, and South South.

“The governor has no responsibility for the blown pipelines in Rivers. Security is solely the President’s duty. Why punish a man who committed no offense?” he concluded.