The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, accusing him of protecting Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike while unfairly targeting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Reacting to Fagbemi’s allegations that Governor Fubara was behind recent pipeline bombings in the state, CUPP described the claims as “outrageous and politically motivated.” The opposition coalition questioned why the AGF had overlooked reports implicating Wike’s supporters in violent attacks, including the destruction of local government buildings.
In a statement signed by High Chief Peter Ameh and Comrade Mark Adebayo, CUPP pointed to a media interview where Wike allegedly suggested that various ethnic groups in Rivers could sabotage pipelines. They argued that this statement was an attempt to create chaos and justify President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.
The crisis in Rivers deepened when Governor Fubara was blocked from presenting the state budget to the House of Assembly. Lawmakers later resurfaced with an impeachment notice against him, leading to speculations of a coordinated effort to weaken his administration.
CUPP has now called on President Tinubu to intervene and curb what it calls “a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democracy.” The coalition also warned of possible legal action, vowing to challenge any move that undermines justice in the state.
As political tensions rise, the fate of Rivers State now rests on the response of the presidency and judiciary in the unfolding power struggle.