The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has criticized suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for declaring emotional detachment from the ongoing political crisis in the state, describing his remarks as a betrayal of the democratic resistance against what it termed unconstitutional overreach by the federal government.
Fubara, who was suspended following the controversial declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, recently stated that his “spirit has already left the Government House” and that he harbored no desire to return, even if reinstated. The CUPP has strongly rebuked this position, warning that such a declaration undermines the collective efforts of Nigerians who have challenged the legitimacy of the emergency rule.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, the CUPP urged Fubara to reconsider his stance and re-align with the national struggle for constitutional democracy.
“The Coalition of United Political Parties strongly denounces the recent statement by suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. His remarks trivialize a broader fight for democracy and represent a significant letdown to those who have resisted what is widely viewed as an illegal suspension,” the statement read.
CUPP reminded Fubara that the issue transcends personal sentiments and is rooted in the defense of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. The coalition argued that the state of emergency—which ousted Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature—lacked constitutional backing and bypassed due process.
“The Constitution does not authorize the arbitrary removal of elected officials outside the provisions of impeachment under Section 188. The emergency rule imposed by the presidency is a clear breach, as acknowledged by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society groups, and several PDP governors,” the coalition said.
The group further condemned the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s sole administrator, citing it as part of a broader agenda to weaken democratic institutions and consolidate power under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
They also pointed out that Fubara’s recent statements risk legitimizing President Tinubu’s actions, which many political observers and legal experts—including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Edun—have described as a disproportionate and unlawful response to alleged breaches by the governor.
“The resistance was never about defending Fubara’s political survival. It was about standing against authoritarianism and preserving the people’s mandate. By walking away emotionally, Fubara sends the wrong message, especially after previously committing to constitutional order,” the CUPP added.
The coalition reminded the governor that figures such as Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and the NBA had publicly condemned the emergency rule as unconstitutional and excessive. Fubara’s apparent disengagement, they argue, could embolden further executive overreach and dampen ongoing legal efforts, including challenges at the Supreme Court led by PDP governors and opposition alliances.
“To Fubara, we say: this was never about you. It was about the people who elected you, and the broader duty to defend Nigeria’s democratic values,” the statement emphasized.
CUPP concluded by calling on Fubara to retract his comments and renew his commitment to the democratic process.
“The people of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole deserve leaders who won’t abandon the fight at critical moments. CUPP remains committed to defending Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and urges citizens to stay vigilant against unconstitutional actions by the APC-led government.”
