The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over the controversial suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly, calling the action unconstitutional and a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued early Wednesday and signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the CNPP described the suspension as a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution.
The group warned that such executive interference undermines democratic governance and sets a dangerous precedent.
“The Nigerian Constitution does not empower the president to suspend an elected governor or deputy. Section 188 clearly stipulates that only the State House of Assembly can initiate impeachment proceedings. President Tinubu’s actions are not only unconstitutional but also an outright abuse of power,” the CNPP asserted.
Referencing Section 1(2) of the Constitution, which forbids any individual or group from taking control of any part of Nigeria’s government outside constitutional provisions, the CNPP argued that the president’s directive is invalid.
The group further cited Sections 11(4) and (5), which only permit the National Assembly to intervene in state legislative affairs under extreme circumstances, not to suspend governors.
Additionally, the CNPP highlighted Section 308, which grants governors and their deputies immunity from legal proceedings while in office, further questioning the legality of Tinubu’s decision.
“Would President Tinubu have taken this action if Rivers State were controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC)? Is this an attempt by the APC to seize political control of the state? And why has the president not shown the same urgency in addressing states facing insurgency and security crises?” the group queried.
The CNPP called on Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension and reinstate the duly elected leaders of Rivers State.
“A true democrat must uphold due process and constitutional principles,” the group stated, warning that “executive overreach weakens democracy and undermines the essence of elections.”
“This is a wake-up call for all Nigerians to defend our democracy. We must not allow unconstitutional actions to set dangerous precedents,” the statement concluded.
