The Coalition of United Political Parties has raised serious concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of a retired military officer as a sole administrator, warning that such actions pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the National Secretary of the CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, said the coalition is particularly alarmed by what it described as the gradual erosion of democratic structures in Rivers State under the current administration.
Ameh pointed out that President Tinubu had earlier earned commendation for his legal challenge against the 36 state governors concerning financial autonomy for local government councils, a move that promised renewed hope for development at the grassroots level.
He noted that the Supreme Court ruling which upheld the right of local councils to financial independence from state governments had been celebrated nationwide as a landmark decision.
“This decision was heralded as a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s grassroots governance, reinforcing the constitutional mandate for elected local leadership,” Ameh said.
“Yet, the triumph has been overshadowed by actions that appear to contradict the very principles Tinubu claimed to have fought for, particularly in Rivers State, where his administration’s approach has sparked widespread concern.
“In a stunning twist, Tinubu’s administration can be seen dismantling democratic institutions in Rivers State through undemocratic means.
“The removal of the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and their replacement with a sole administrator has been labeled unlawful and a direct affront to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“I am among those who argue that this move not only undermines the judiciary but also flouts the Constitution, which Tinubu swore to uphold.
“The forceful, military-backed removal of elected officials and the subsequent appointment of local government administrators have further fueled allegations that the President is disregarding the rule of law—a cornerstone of any functioning democracy.
“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. The Constitution explicitly outlines the framework for democratically elected local government councils under Section 7, with no provision for a sole administrator to usurp these roles.
“By imposing such a figure in Rivers State, Tinubu’s administration risks setting a dangerous precedent, one that could erode the democratic gains painstakingly achieved over the years.
“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.
“Often we mistake stability, in terms of security and economic activity, to mean a country is doing well,” Annan said.
“We forget the third and important pillar: rule of law and respect for human rights.” Tinubu’s actions in Rivers State appear to neglect this critical principle.”
Ameh also criticised the growing influence of the sole administrator in Rivers State, alleging that the unelected official has begun to carry out functions reserved for elected leaders, further deepening the political crisis in the state.
According to him, “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.”
The CUPP scribe concluded that if such actions are allowed to continue, they could serve as a blueprint for similar interventions across other states, thereby endangering the entire foundation of Nigeria’s democratic governance.
