By Favour Emmanuel
ABUJA — The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), High Chief Peter Ameh, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as a “constitutional assault” and a “dangerous precedent” for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking with Vanguard in the early hours of Wednesday, Ameh condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months, stating that the action violates the Constitution.
He said, “The Constitution is clear on how a governor can be removed—through impeachment by the State House of Assembly, death, resignation, or completion of tenure.
“Nowhere does it grant the President the power to suspend a governor or declare a state of emergency as a tool for political suppression.”
President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, cited escalating political instability and security concerns, including recent incidents of pipeline vandalism, as justification for his decision.
“With all these and many more, no good and responsible president will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the constitution to address the situation in the state,” Tinubu said.
However, Ameh questioned the selective nature of the emergency declaration, arguing that similar or worse security challenges exist in other states without such drastic measures being taken.
He said, “This is a clear case of executive overreach.
“If this unlawful act is not challenged, we risk creating a culture of impunity where presidents can arbitrarily remove elected officials who refuse to toe their line.”
He also criticized Tinubu for blaming Fubara alone for the political impasse in Rivers State while failing to mention Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has been widely linked to the crisis.
“By conveniently ignoring Wike’s role in this situation, the president has shown clear bias.
“This perceived favoritism raises questions about his commitment to fairness and justice.”
Meanwhile, Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the military administrator of Rivers State for the duration of the emergency rule.
The judiciary is to continue functioning during this period.
Ameh called on Nigerians to resist any attempts to undermine democracy and urged the judiciary to take a stand in defense of the Constitution.
“The ball is in the court of the judiciary and the Nigerian people.
“Will we stand up for our democracy, or will we watch as it is eroded by the very people sworn to protect it? The choice is ours.” He added
