Amaechi Blasts Tinubu For Undermining Governors, Claims He’s Preparing For 2027 Showdown

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State as a calculated move to intimidate governors into backing his 2027 re-election bid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview with DW Africa on Friday, Amaechi voiced strong disapproval of the decision, labeling it politically motivated. On March 18, Tinubu declared the emergency rule in Rivers, citing the ongoing political unrest and the vandalism of oil facilities as key reasons. This declaration led to the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months. Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

The president’s actions have sparked significant opposition, with critics, including members of civil society and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), denouncing the move as unconstitutional.

Amaechi, who is a former governor of Rivers State, argued that the emergency declaration was an attempt to instill fear in governors and force their support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. He claimed that the move was designed to intimidate governors who might oppose the president in the upcoming election.

“The president is seeking a power grab,” Amaechi stated. “He wants to frighten governors who may not support him in 2027. There is a rumor going around that if you’re not careful, the president will remove you.”

He questioned the rationale behind the emergency rule, pointing out that other regions of the country, such as the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest, also face security challenges. “If it’s about insecurity and pipeline vandalism, why not declare emergency rule in those areas too?” Amaechi asked, noting that Tinubu, as a democratically elected president, was not subject to such measures.

Amaechi also emphasized that Governor Fubara had no control over security matters in Rivers, as these responsibilities fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction. He condemned the suspension of the governor, asserting that Fubara was being punished for an offense he did not comm