Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has described President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as an impeachable offense.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Abati argued that a governor cannot be removed by a presidential proclamation, insisting that Tinubu’s action violates the Constitution.
He stated that while Section 305 allows the president to declare a state of emergency under certain conditions, it does not grant him the power to suspend an elected governor, deputy, or legislature.
Abati also accused Tinubu of acting as a dictator by assigning legislative powers over Rivers State to the Federal Executive Council, a move he said directly contradicts Section 11 of the Constitution.
“The Federal Executive Council does not have the power to make laws for a state House of Assembly. President Tinubu has appropriated that power to himself, which is an impeachable offense,” he asserted.
He further noted that Section 188 outlines the legal process for removing a governor, which requires an impeachment proceeding initiated by the state legislature and reviewed by a judicial panel.
“The people who advised the president on this matter must be called to order,” Abati added.
