By OBSERVERS TIMES
•A storm of controversy has erupted following suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent declaration that his “spirit has left the Government House,” with the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) accusing him of a “betrayal of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.”
In a scathing press statement released on May 12, 2025, CUPP condemned Fubara’s statement, made amidst the contentious state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, which saw Fubara and his deputy suspended. The coalition argued that Fubara’s apparent acquiescence undermined the widespread resistance against what they deem an unconstitutional overreach by the federal government.
“This remark… undermines the collective struggle to defend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution,” stated Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of CUPP. “Fubara’s acquiescence is a betrayal of the millions who resisted Tinubu’s authoritarian overreach, as it was never about Fubara’s personal sentiments but about upholding constitutional democracy.”
The state of emergency, which installed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as sole administrator, has been met with fierce opposition from various quarters, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and civil society organizations. Legal experts and political figures have labeled the move a “blatant violation” of the constitution, with several challenging its legality in the Supreme Court.
CUPP emphasized that the struggle was never about Fubara’s personal feelings, but about safeguarding the democratic mandate of the Rivers State electorate. They argued that his statement, portraying his suspension as a form of personal liberation, trivializes the sacrifices made by those who took to the streets and courts to defend the rule of law.
“His claim that his spirit has left the Government House trivializes this fight, breaking the hearts of those who protested and litigated to uphold the rule of law,” Ameh stated.
The coalition also accused Fubara of lacking the resolve to confront what they perceive as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s agenda to establish a one-party state. They highlighted the contradiction between Fubara’s earlier commitment to peace and constitutional order and his recent capitulation.
“To Fubara, CUPP declares: this struggle was never about you or your spirit. It was about defending the Constitution and the mandate of Rivers’ people who elected you in 2023,” the statement read.
CUPP has called on Fubara to retract his statement and reaffirm his commitment to democratic principles, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant against unconstitutional actions. The coalition reiterated its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s multi-party system and the rights of all citizens to democratic governance.
The controversy has added another layer of complexity to the already tense political situation in Rivers State, raising questions about the future of its governance and the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
