The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. The declaration, made late on Tuesday night, has sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with critics accusing the president of using the move as a political tool rather than addressing genuine security concerns.
CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ameh, issued a statement expressing deep concern about the implications of the president’s actions. “By suspending Governor Sim Fubara and appointing a sole administrator, Tinubu has flagrantly disregarded the Constitution and undermined the principles of democracy,” the statement read. The organization argued that the state of emergency decree was selectively applied to Rivers State, despite other states grappling with similar or even worse security issues.
The coalition emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution clearly outlines the processes for removing a governor from office. “A governor can only be removed through impeachment by the State House of Assembly, death, resignation, or the completion of tenure. Nowhere does the Constitution grant the President the power to suspend a governor or use a state of emergency for political suppression,” the statement clarified. According to CUPP, this decision is not just unconstitutional but also an overreach of executive power.
CUPP further warned that President Tinubu’s actions could set a dangerous precedent for the country. “By removing an elected official at will, he is setting a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement continued. The coalition argued that this could lead to a future where presidents may arbitrarily remove elected officials who challenge their authority, thereby undermining democratic values.
The group also expressed concern about the political motivations behind the state of emergency declaration. The statement pointed out that the President’s speech failed to acknowledge the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing political crisis. “President Tinubu’s broadcast has raised eyebrows, with many noticing that he solely blamed Sim Fubara for the political impasse while conveniently ignoring his Minister of the FCT, Wike,” the statement read.
This omission, according to CUPP, suggests bias and raises questions about the president’s impartiality. “This blatant omission suggests that the President has taken sides, sparking concerns about his impartiality,” the group argued. They warned that such favoritism could damage Tinubu’s credibility and further complicate the political situation in the country.
CUPP concluded with a call to action, urging Nigerians to stand up for the protection of the rule of law and the preservation of democracy. “Nigerians must not stay silent. We must demand that our leaders respect the Constitution and uphold the principles of democracy,” the statement declared. The coalition emphasized that this issue is not just about Rivers State but about the broader struggle to defend democratic values and hold elected leaders accountable for their actions.
As tensions rise over the state of emergency, the CUPP is calling on the judiciary and the Nigerian people to act in defense of democracy. “The ball is in the court of the judiciary and the Nigerian people. Will we stand up for our democracy, or will we watch as it is eroded by the very people sworn to protect it? The choice is ours,” the group concluded.
