The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has welcomed the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State but described its initial declaration as an unconstitutional overreach and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP said the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly for six months amounted to a power grab that undermined the will of Rivers voters.
CUPP argued that President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of emergency rule on March 18, 2025, citing disputes between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as well as isolated cases of pipeline vandalism, did not meet the constitutional requirements under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
“This action, executed without the request of elected state officials, undermined the mandate of Rivers State voters and set a dangerous precedent for the erosion of state autonomy in Nigeria’s federation,” the coalition stated.
The CUPP demanded full transparency from the Presidency, including the legal justification for the declaration, details of financial expenditures during the period, and a review of rights allegedly violated. It added that Nigerians must have clarity to restore trust in governance.
The coalition accused President Tinubu of assuming “unchecked authority” and acting as a “Proclaimer General,” warning that the move threatened the democratic balance of the federation. It also expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear a challenge filed by PDP governors, saying the decision allowed an “illegal act” to persist and exposed the judiciary to allegations of political bias.
CUPP urged political parties, civil society, and citizens to reject what it called a dangerous precedent and defend democratic values, stressing that the sovereignty of the people through elections must remain sacrosanct.
“History will judge this episode as either a fleeting misstep or the beginning of a slide toward authoritarianism. We urge the government to recommit to constitutional governance and ensure such overreach is never repeated,” the statement concluded.
