The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a “constitutional assault” that threatens Nigeria’s democracy. CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ameh, accused the president of overstepping his powers by suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointing a sole administrator.
Ameh argued that the Nigerian Constitution provides clear guidelines for removing a governor—through impeachment, resignation, or tenure completion—but does not give the president authority to suspend an elected leader. He also questioned why similar emergency measures were not applied to other states facing security crises, suggesting political bias in Tinubu’s decision.
Furthermore, Ameh criticized Tinubu for blaming Governor Fubara while ignoring the role of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in the political crisis. He warned that if this “unlawful act” is not challenged, it could set a dangerous precedent, allowing future presidents to remove elected officials at will. He urged Nigerians to stand up for democracy and defend the rule of law.