The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. In a statement, the CNPP described the action as a “flagrant breach” of the 1999 Constitution, warning that it undermines Nigeria’s democracy.

The CNPP argued that the Constitution does not grant the president the power to suspend an elected governor or deputy. “Section 188 of the Constitution explicitly outlines impeachment by the State House of Assembly as the sole legitimate process for removing a governor,” the CNPP stated. “President Tinubu’s actions are unconstitutional and an alarming abuse of power.”

The group also questioned the president’s motives, asking if he would have taken similar action in an All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled state. “Is this part of an APC agenda to wrest political control of Rivers State?” the statement queried.

The CNPP called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension and reinstate the elected leaders of Rivers State. “As a democrat, the president must demonstrate respect for due process and constitutional principles. Acts of dictatorship weaken Nigeria’s democracy and render elections, the cornerstone of power transfer, a futile exercise.”

The CNPP also urged Nigerians to resist any attempts to erode democratic practices. “This is a wake-up call for all Nigerians to defend the democratic values that have been painstakingly built over the years. We cannot allow unconstitutional acts to set a dangerous precedent.”