CNPP Rejects Call for Emergency Rule in Benue, Urges Tinubu to Flush Out Foreign Mercenaries
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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, has issued a comprehensive statement denouncing calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State, describing such proposals as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
In a press statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, the organization warned that although the security situation in Benue State is indeed alarming and tragic, any response that undermines the constitution and democratic principles must be firmly rejected.
“The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) strongly condemns the recent call for the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State in response to the ongoing security challenges in the state. While we acknowledge the grave and painful reality of the killings and violence that have plagued Benue and other parts of the country, we categorically reject any unconstitutional approach to resolving the crisis,” the statement began.
“While the recent call for the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State by Catholic priests under the aegis of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) is unclear on the fate of elected officials, let it be clearly stated that in a democracy, you cannot use illegality to fight criminality. The idea of declaring a state of emergency—especially if it involves the suspension or removal of democratically elected officials—is a blatant violation of the constitution and an affront to the principles of democratic governance. Any attempt to undermine the will of the people under the guise of restoring order is unacceptable, and we warn against any executive overreach that could plunge the country further into constitutional crisis,” Ezema stated.
The CNPP expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Benue State, emphasizing that reports of foreign mercenaries and armed militias being used to settle local political scores must not be ignored. The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to immediately take decisive and lawful action to address the security threats in the state.
“The CNPP views with deep concern the continued deterioration of security in Benue State, where foreign mercenaries, armed militias, and terrorist elements are reportedly operating freely, allegedly as tools in local political vendettas. Rather than entertain undemocratic solutions, the federal government must confront the crisis with the urgency, clarity, and legality it demands,” the statement read.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… to rise to the occasion and immediately order the flushing out of these foreign mercenaries and armed groups destabilizing Benue State. Their presence is a threat not only to the people of Benue but to the peace and security of the entire nation.”
CNPP warned that any further destabilization of Benue State, often referred to as the food basket of the nation, would have devastating implications for the country’s food security and overall economic stability.
“Benue State, widely known as the food basket of the nation, is critical to Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and food security. The ongoing attacks on its rural farming communities are already having dire consequences on food availability and affordability nationwide. With food inflation at record highs and millions of Nigerians struggling to survive under an economically mismanaged system, the loss of Benue to terrorism is not just a regional problem—it is a national catastrophe.”
The CNPP did not spare the federal government from blame, accusing it of dereliction of duty in its constitutional role of protecting citizens and maintaining order.
“The CNPP reiterates that the federal government, which has full control over Nigeria’s security architecture, must take full responsibility for the escalating insecurity in Benue and other states. The continued killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, attacks by killer herdsmen, and other criminal acts across the country point to a failure of leadership and coordination at the highest levels. It is no longer acceptable for the presidency to shift blame. Nigerians deserve protection, and it is the constitutional duty of the federal government to provide it.”
The group urged Nigerians, civil society groups, religious leaders, and the international community to demand prompt and lawful action from the federal government to end the bloodshed in Benue and across the country.
“We therefore call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, religious institutions, the international community, and defenders of democracy to prevail on the administration of President Tinubu to act decisively and transparently to end terrorist activities not only in Benue but in all parts of the country where lives are being lost needlessly.”
Making reference to the ongoing political turbulence in Rivers State, CNPP warned against setting dangerous precedents through the subversion of the rule of law.
“Furthermore, CNPP warns that the illegality currently unfolding in Rivers State, where the rule of law and democratic norms are being subverted, must not become a precedent for similar actions in other parts of Nigeria. We will resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a state where constitutional democracy is sacrificed on the altar of expediency and political manipulation.”
The statement ended with a passionate plea to preserve both the nation’s food security and its democracy.
“The time to act is now. Nigeria cannot afford to lose its food basket to terrorism, nor can we afford to lose our democracy to executive lawlessness. The people of Benue deserve peace. The people of Nigeria deserve justice. And democracy must be preserved at all costs.”
The CNPP’s intervention adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability, decisive leadership, and constitutional fidelity in addressing Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
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