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….Questions Tinubu’s Motives in the State Power Struggle

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has issued a scathing condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s controversial suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. The CNPP has described the action as a flagrant breach of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), warning that such overreach undermines the country’s democracy.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP argued that the Constitution offers no provision for a president to suspend an elected governor or their deputy. “Section 188 of the Constitution explicitly outlines impeachment by the State House of Assembly as the sole legitimate process for removing a governor,” CNPP stated. “President Tinubu’s actions are unconstitutional and an alarming abuse of power.”

The CNPP highlighted Section 1(2) of the Constitution, which declares: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.” This clause, the CNPP emphasized, invalidates the president’s suspension directive as it deviates from constitutional procedures.

Equally troubling to the CNPP is the disregard for Section 11(4) and (5), which permits the National Assembly to intervene in a State House of Assembly’s affairs only in cases of crisis that render it incapable of functioning. Even then, the CNPP argued, this provision does not extend to suspending governors or deputies. Furthermore, the group pointed out that Section 308 grants immunity to governors and deputies from legal proceedings while in office, raising questions about the legal foundation of the president’s decision.

The CNPP did not mince words in questioning the motives behind the president’s action. “Would President Tinubu have dared to take such a step 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. “And why has the president not displayed similar urgency in addressing states grappling with insurgent crises?”

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 statement added.

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,” the CNPP stressed.

The CNPP expressed deepening concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions as observers are now watching closely to see whether President Tinubu will heed the calls for a reversal of his decision or whether this will escalate into a larger constitutional and political crisis in Rivers State.

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