Amaechi Accuses Tinubu of Using Emergency Rule to Intimidate Governors Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State is a political strategy to intimidate governors who may not support his 2027 re-election bid.

Speaking in an interview with DW Africa on Friday, Amaechi condemned the move, describing it as politically motivated and an attempt at a power grab.

Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing:

• Political instability and rising tensions.

• Vandalism of oil facilities in the region.

Following the declaration, the Federal Government suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

The move has been met with strong opposition from civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who argue that it violates constitutional provisions and undermines democratic governance.

Amaechi: ‘Tinubu Wants to Scare Governors Into Submission’

Amaechi, a former two-term governor of Rivers State, claims the state of emergency is a warning to other governors who may not align with Tinubu’s political agenda for 2027.

“The president wants a power grab. They want to frighten governors who may not support them in 2027. There’s a rumor everywhere that if you are not careful, the president will remove you,” Amaechi stated.

He questioned why Rivers State was singled out for emergency rule, pointing out that insecurity exists in several other regions, including the North-East, North-West, South-East, and South-West.

“If insecurity is the reason for an emergency rule, will the president impose the same rule on himself because of the rising security challenges across the country?” Amaechi asked.

Amaechi Defends Governor Fubara, Calls for Resistance

Amaechi argued that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no control over security matters, as security remains under federal jurisdiction.

“Rivers’ governor has no security responsibility; it rests squarely on the president. So why punish a man who did not commit an offense?”

He further called on Rivers State residents to resist Tinubu’s actions, urging them to engage in peaceful protests to defend democracy.

Political Crisis in Rivers State: What’s Next?

With the 2027 elections approaching, Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State has sparked wider political debates about the federal government’s use of power. As tensions rise, all eyes are on the legal and political battles that may unfold in the coming months.

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