Take A Bold Stand: Amaechi Slams National Assembly for Aiding Tinubu's Suspension of Fubara and Weak Institutions
Rivers State Emergency Declaration Breached Constitution Rather Than Law, According to Rotimi Amaechi - Tinubu's Action Not Legally Sanctioned
Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, boldly accused the National Assembly of being a weak institution that aided President Bola Tinubu in establishing an illegal government.
At the 9th Edition of Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos, Amaechi argued that Tinubu didn't break any law when he declared a state of emergency in Rivers but, in fact, he breached the constitution.
The ex-minster of transportation expressed disappointment with the National Assembly's ineffectiveness in checking this breach, calling on Nigerians to be proactive in rejecting poor governance, claiming that docility enables bad leadership.
Amaechi stated, "Fearless leadership and courageous leadership are mere illusions. Instead, you need a system that functions properly. If the system works, you don't need heroic leaders or a brave presidency."
He described two types of leadership traits: authoritarian, which involves dictatorial decision-making without consultation, and the docile leadership that pervades Nigeria. He emphasized that good governance revolves around constitutionality and the rule of law, as well as the concept of separating powers. Failure in the rule of law fosters unconstitutional acts, such as the unlawful state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
Amaechi further argued that the current regime is not based on law but the whims and caprices of the leader, presenting examples such as the unconstitutional suspension of Fubara and the appointment of a military officer to oversee Rivers State. He criticized the National Assembly's role in enabling these illegitimate actions.
Power to the People
To address these challenges, Amaechi encouraged citizens to hold their leaders accountable and actively participate in the democratic process to ensure that the principles of constitutionality and the rule of law are upheld.
Enrichment Insights
- The National Assembly plays a significant role in preventing unconstitutional governance by making, amending, and repealing laws in accordance with constitutional principles, exercising oversight over the executive, approving appointments, regulating the budget, and impeaching officials.
- The Assembly possesses the power to temporarily assume legislative functions in states where the Assembly is compromised but cannot interfere with the elected executive leadership of the state.
- Critics argue that the National Assembly does not adequately exercise its oversight capabilities, which has led to accusations of passivity and complicity in unconstitutional executive actions.
- Strengthening the Assembly's oversight abilities and ensuring it actively vetoes unconstitutional executive decisions are crucial to preserving Nigeria's constitutional framework and preventing illegal governance.
- The National Assembly is admonished for aiding the alleged unconstitutional actions of President Tinubu, as per Rotimi Amaechi's perspective.
- Amaechi accuses the National Assembly of passivity and complicity in the breach of the constitution during the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
- Amaechi maintains that good leadership should uphold constitutionality, the rule of law, and separation of powers, yet he observes an absence of such principles in Nigeria.
- Amaechi calls for citizens' proactive rejection of poor governance and advocates for active participation in the democratic process for the upholding of constitutionality and the rule of law.
- Amaechi believes the National Assembly ought to possess the power to veto unconstitutional executive decisions and actively enforce the principles of constitutional governance.
- The ex-governor emphasizes the importance of the National Assembly assuming legislative functions in compromised states but refraining from interfering with the elected executive leadership.
- Amaechi cautions against the dangers of docile leadership that pervades Nigeria, placing emphasis on the need for fearless and courageous leadership that upholds constitutionality.
- The unconstitutional suspension of Fubara and the appointment of a military officer to oversee Rivers State are examples of illegitimate actions Amaechi criticizes the National Assembly for enabling.
