The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has intensified its criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his controversial suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The coalition of opposition parties has labeled the President’s actions as a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution and an alarming overreach of executive power, demanding an immediate reversal of the decision.
The CNPP argues that Tinubu’s decision is unconstitutional and an abuse of power that threatens Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the group pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the President any authority to suspend a sitting governor. “Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution clearly outlines the impeachment process, which is the only legal mechanism for removing a governor, and it is exclusively the prerogative of the State House of Assembly,” the CNPP stated. “Nowhere in the Constitution is the President granted the authority to suspend a governor or their deputy.”
According to the group, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution” (Section 1[2]). By bypassing this provision, the CNPP asserts that the President has acted beyond his legal powers.
The group also referenced Sections 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution, which allow the National Assembly to intervene in the affairs of a State House of Assembly only in cases where the Assembly is unable to perform its functions due to crisis. However, “Even in such circumstances, this provision does not extend to suspending an elected governor or deputy,” the CNPP noted. Additionally, Section 308 grants immunity to governors and their deputies from civil or criminal proceedings while in office, further raising questions about the legality of Tinubu’s actions.
CNPP Urges
Beyond the legal arguments, the CNPP is also questioning the political motivations behind the suspension. The group has openly asked, “Would President Tinubu have taken such drastic measures in a state governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)?” They suggest that this could be part of a broader plan by the APC to assert control over Rivers State, a politically strategic region with significant economic importance.
Furthermore, the CNPP is criticizing the President’s selective urgency in addressing political issues in the country. “Why has the President not demonstrated similar urgency in addressing states under siege by insurgents?” the group asked. They argue that while Tinubu acted swiftly to suspend Governor Fubara, his administration has not shown the same level of urgency in tackling pressing national security issues, particularly in states that have been severely affected by insurgency and banditry. The opposition coalition believes that this selective approach undermines the credibility of the administration’s commitment to fairness and justice.
Related: BREAKING! President Tinubu Declares a State of Emergency in Rivers State (Read Full Speech)
In response to these developments, the CNPP has called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse what they describe as an unconstitutional suspension. “As a democrat, the President must adhere to due process and respect the Constitution. Acts of dictatorship erode the foundations of democracy and render elections—the only legitimate means of transferring power—meaningless,” the CNPP warned. The group emphasizes that the rule of law must be respected and that any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions will be met with strong resistance.
Read also: “State of Emergency, Fubara’s Suspension Illegal” – Larry Edemanya Challenges Tinubu’s Action
The CNPP is urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and stand against any attempts to subvert the democratic process. “We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and united in defending our democracy,” the statement read. They reaffirm their commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that leadership changes only occur through legitimate electoral processes, not by executive fiat. The group maintains that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive if the principles of justice, fairness, and adherence to the Constitution are upheld at all times.
