The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has described President Bola Tinubu’s action as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
This follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night.
CUPP stated that the declaration, while appearing politically driven, shows no good intentions.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Peter Ameh, the organisation said Tinubu’s actions have raised serious concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement read: “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 selective application of the state of emergency decree in Rivers State, while ignoring other states plagued by similar or even worse security challenges, raises questions about the motivations behind such a decision.
“The Constitution is clear: a governor can only be removed from office through impeachment by the State House of Assembly, death, resignation, or completion of tenure. Nowhere does it grant the President the power to suspend a governor or declare a state of emergency as a tool for political suppression.
“The President’s actions are not only unconstitutional but also a blatant overreach of executive power. By removing an elected official at will, he is setting a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
“This is not just about Rivers State; it’s about the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the protection of citizens’ rights. If this unlawful act is not challenged, we risk creating a culture of impunity where presidents can arbitrarily remove elected officials who refuse to toe their line.
“Nigerians must not stay silent. We must demand that our leaders respect the Constitution and uphold the principles of democracy. We must reject this brazen attempt to undermine our democracy and hold our leaders accountable for their actions.
“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. This blatant omission suggests that the President has taken sides, sparking concerns about his impartiality.
“By failing to acknowledge Wike’s role in the impasse, Tinubu’s administration has created an impression of bias, which could further exacerbate the situation. This perceived favouritism could undermine the President’s credibility and raise questions about his commitment to fairness and justice.
“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.”
