The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu over the contentious suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly, describing the move as unconstitutional and a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday, Deputy National Publicity Secretary James Ezema labeled the suspension a blatant disregard for the 1999 Constitution, warning that such executive overreach threatens democratic governance and sets a perilous precedent.
“The Nigerian Constitution does not grant the president the authority to suspend an elected governor or his deputy.
Section 188 explicitly outlines impeachment by the State House of Assembly as the only legal process for removing a sitting governor. President Tinubu’s actions are not only unconstitutional but also a brazen abuse of power,” the CNPP stated.
The group pointed to Section 1(2) of the Constitution, which forbids any individual or group from unlawfully seizing control of any part of Nigeria’s government. By disregarding this provision, the CNPP argued, the president’s directive holds no legal standing. They further cited Sections 11(4) and (5), which only allow the National Assembly to intervene in state legislative affairs under extreme conditions not to oust elected governors. Additionally, the organization referenced Section 308, which grants governors and their deputies immunity from legal proceedings while in office, making Tinubu’s decision even more questionable.
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Raising concerns over political bias, the CNPP challenged the president’s motives:
“Would President Tinubu have made this decision if Rivers State were controlled by the All Progressives Congress? Is this an attempt by the APC to seize political control of Rivers State? And why has the president not displayed the same urgency in addressing states battling insurgency and security crises?”
Calling for immediate action, the CNPP demanded that Tinubu reverse the suspension and reinstate Rivers State’s duly elected leaders.
“A true democrat must respect due process and constitutional principles,” the statement read. “Acts of executive dictatorship weaken democracy and render elections meaningless. This is a wake-up call for all Nigerians to defend our democracy. We must not allow unconstitutional actions to set dangerous precedents.”