Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed sadness over the removal of Siminalayi Fubara as governor of Rivers State, citing a breach of the constitution by President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency. Speaking at the 9th Edition of Akinjide Adeosun Foundation’s Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos, Amaechi described the National Assembly as a weak institution that aided the president in instituting an illegal government.
Amaechi emphasized the importance of good governance, constitutionality, and the rule of law, stating that the absence of these principles breeds arbitrariness in governance. He noted that the president’s actions in Rivers State were not only unconstitutional but also a breach of the sacredness and sanctity of the constitution.
The former governor urged Nigerians to be proactive in reacting to poor governance, saying docility enables bad leadership. “You can either have a fearless followership or a docile followership. Does Nigeria resonate here as par the docility of followership? Does it resonate here? Yes,” he said.
Amaechi’s sentiments were echoed by Jimi Agbaje, the 2015 governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who stressed the need for an enabling environment to bring about fearless leaders in Nigeria. Agbaje noted that speaking truth to power should not result in negative consequences for individuals and their families.
Akinjide Adeosun, the event’s convener, highlighted the importance of building great leaders and shifting from bad to good governance. He emphasized that fearless leaders would provide basic necessities like good water, electricity, and freedom from insecurity.
