Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has voiced strong disappointment with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s handling of the recent local government elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ameh accused Fubara of yielding to federal influence instead of defending democratic principles.
He stated, “I am already disappointed in Fubara that he has shown that what he wants is to get back to office. He should have given it his all, and even if he lost, it would not have been bad to fight for the future generations. He was beaten to surrender, and that is not good for our democracy.”
Ameh claimed federal authorities deployed their powers to undermine Rivers State’s autonomy, describing the situation as state capture.
“If you look at the present situation, it is a question of how many states can I control. That is the struggle,” he said.
The CUPP leader challenged the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear constitutional petitions related to the crisis. “Section 305 allows for a state of emergency but does not permit removing the governor or the state House of Assembly. The Supreme Court has avoided the case, waiting for six months. If they favour the people, it will damage presidential interests; if they side with the president, it will undermine the constitution,” Ameh explained.
Highlighting Governor Fubara’s continued immunity under Section 308, he questioned the legal basis for sidelining constitutional safeguards.
“This is state capture, undermining democracy, and insulting collective sensibility. To say the emergency can be lifted because local government elections were conducted is outrageous,” Ameh added.
He concluded with a call for vigilance against authoritarian overreach.
“Our democracy, however fragile, must be nurtured. Silence and surrender to constitutional violations only embolden anti-democratic forces,” he warned.
