The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly rejected the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. The opposition coalition described the move as an illegal takeover of democratic institutions and vowed to challenge it in court.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday via a broadcast, citing prolonged political tensions. During the national broadcast, he announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly for six months.
In response, CUPP leaders High Chief Peter Ameh, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, and Comrade Mark Adebayo released a joint statement calling the decision an “unconstitutional coup” and a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy.
CUPP argues that suspending an elected governor under emergency rule is illegal. They referenced past Supreme Court rulings, including A.G. Federation v. A.G. Lagos State (2013), which affirmed that a state of emergency does not give the President the power to dissolve democratic structures. The coalition warned that allowing this move to stand could set the stage for authoritarian rule. They accused the President of overstepping his constitutional authority and undermining the independence of state governments.
The opposition also criticized the President for allegedly siding with Minister Nyesom Wike, whom they blame for the crisis. They questioned why Fubara was suspended while Wike, whom they accused of fueling the conflict, remained untouched. CUPP recalled that when former President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe in 2013, he did not remove the governors or other democratic structures. They argue that Tinubu’s actions are a sharp departure from legal precedents.
Related: BREAKING! President Tinubu Declares a State of Emergency in Rivers State (Read Full Speech)
CUPP urged Governor Fubara to challenge the suspension in the Supreme Court, stating that the law is on his side. They also called on Nigerians to resist what they described as a “power grab” aimed at suppressing opposition voices. The opposition coalition vowed to take legal action to overturn the decision, stressing that democracy in Nigeria is at risk if such unconstitutional moves go unchallenged.
