The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has raised the alarm over what it described as President Bola Tinubu’s “undemocratic actions” in Rivers State, warning that they posed a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional order.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, CUPP’s National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, condemned the President’s imposition of a state of emergency in the state and the appointment of a retired military officer as a sole administrator, sidelining existing democratic structures.
Ameh said the recent developments in Rivers State represented a disturbing reversal of the democratic gains Nigeria has made in the past two decades.
“In a stunning twist, Tinubu’s administration can be seen dismantling democratic institutions in Rivers State through undemocratic means,” he said.
Of particular concern, according to Ameh, was the removal of the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), who were reportedly replaced with a sole administrator—a move the CUPP described as unconstitutional and in violation of a Supreme Court ruling.
“This decision was heralded as a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s grassroots governance, reinforcing the constitutional mandate for elected local leadership. Yet, the triumph has been overshadowed by actions that appear to contradict the very principles Tinubu claimed to have fought for,” Ameh said.
He referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy, which was widely praised as a victory for grassroots development. However, he said the situation in Rivers State now casts doubt on the Tinubu administration’s commitment to constitutional governance.
“I am among those who argue that this move not only undermines the judiciary but also flouts the Constitution, which Tinubu swore to uphold,” he added.
The CUPP questioned the legal basis for the appointment of a sole administrator in a democratic setting, noting that the Nigerian Constitution under Section 7 provides for the election of local government officials and makes no allowance for the imposition of a sole administrator.
“The question at the heart of this controversy is clear: what section(s) of the Nigerian Constitution provide for the appointment of a sole administrator or justify such interference with democratic institutions? The answer, many contend, is none,” Ameh stated.
He warned that the use of military-backed force to remove elected officials and install an unelected administrator could set a dangerous precedent for other states and erode democratic norms nationwide.
Citing the words of former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, Ameh stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law in any democratic society.
“Adherence to the rule of law, as former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan aptly noted, is not just about security or economic stability—it is the third, indispensable pillar of a thriving nation,” he said.
“Often we mistake stability, in terms of security and economic activity, to mean a country is doing well. We forget the third and important pillar: rule of law and respect for human rights.”
Ameh concluded by warning that the situation in Rivers has already begun to deteriorate under the sole administrator’s watch.
“This unchecked authority has birthed a cycle of illegality, as one unlawful act begets another. The sole administrator’s role, unrecognized by law, threatens to destabilize the political structure of the state, replacing democratic processes with arbitrary governance,” he said.
The CUPP called on President Tinubu to reverse the controversial appointments and take immediate steps to restore democratic governance in Rivers State in line with the constitution and the will of the people.
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