Amaechi Accuses Tinubu of Constitutional Breach, Blames Weak National Assembly

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing the president of breaching Nigeria’s constitution. Speaking at the ninth edition of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation’s Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos, Amaechi attributed this breach to what he described as the weakness of the National Assembly, which he said failed in its role as a check on executive power.

The event, themed “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” provided a platform for Amaechi to speak candidly about the state of governance in Nigeria. He condemned recent developments in Rivers State, including the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly—actions he implied were unconstitutional and orchestrated with federal support.

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Weak Institutions Enable Executive Overreach, Says Amaechi

Amaechi did not mince words in linking what he termed as a “constitutional breach” to systemic institutional failure, especially the inability of the legislature to hold the executive accountable. He warned that the country is veering towards arbitrary rule, where governance is determined by the will of individuals rather than constitutional provisions.

“The absence of good governance and the rule of law breeds arbitrariness in governance,” Amaechi declared. “This is where government is not by law, but by the whims and caprices of an individual leader, like the current pronouncement of an illegal and unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State, aided by weak institutions like the National Assembly, which is very weak.”

He emphasized that constitutional governance must remain the foundation of democracy and denounced the use of state instruments to remove elected officials outside the law. He likened the constitution to a national “Bible,” asserting that its sanctity should be upheld at all costs.

“The constitution of a country is the Bible of that country. And its sanctity must be protected. Can we say the same in Nigeria? Obviously, the response would be a resounding no.”

Amaechi referenced the alleged removal of Governor Fubara and the appointment of a military figure in his place, calling it a direct assault on democratic norms. “The president looked at the whole of Nigeria and removed an elected governor in Rivers State and appointed a military man, yet the country continued. Nothing happened,” he said with evident dismay.

Fearless Leadership or Failed Systems?

In a broader critique of leadership in Nigeria, Amaechi challenged the idealization of “fearless leadership,” suggesting that such a concept becomes relevant only in systems where governance is broken. In functional systems, he argued, leadership is defined not by fearlessness but by adherence to established rules and institutional processes.

“Do you need a courageous leader where the system works? Just push the button, and everything will give you the answer,” he asked rhetorically. “It is only when there is failed leadership that you begin to look at who is the courageous leader.”

He categorized leadership styles, pointing out the dangers of authoritarian leadership where leaders act unilaterally without consultation or institutional backing. According to Amaechi, a healthy democracy must be driven by good governance, constitutional order, and a system of checks and balances among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Nigerians Urged to Resist Docility

In perhaps his most forceful appeal, Amaechi turned his attention to the Nigerian populace, criticizing what he termed as a “docile followership” that tolerates bad governance. He urged citizens to be proactive and vocal in defending the rule of law and democratic integrity.

“You can either have a fearless followership or a docile followership. Does Nigeria resonate here as per the docility of followership? Yes. Docility is an enabler of bad leadership,” he declared.

Amaechi’s comments highlight a growing concern among political observers and civil society actors regarding Nigeria’s democratic health. With increased tensions in Rivers State and questions surrounding the executive’s reach, the former governor’s speech adds to a chorus of voices calling for institutional reform and a reawakening of public consciousness.

As the country navigates its current political challenges, Amaechi’s remarks underscore the urgent need for stronger democratic safeguards and more accountable governance structures. Whether these calls will translate into meaningful change remains to be seen.