CUPP slams Fubara over “spirit has left government house” remark

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent statement, where he declared that his “spirit has already left the Government House” and expressed reluctance to return, even if reinstated.

According to CUPP, Fubara’s remark is a betrayal of the collective struggle to defend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and a demonstration of acquiescence to President Bola Tinubu’s authoritarian overreach. “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,” CUPP stated.

The controversy surrounds the unconstitutional state of emergency declared by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, which suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The move was widely condemned by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and civil society groups.

CUPP emphasized that Fubara’s statement trivializes the fight for constitutional democracy and breaks the hearts of those who protested and litigated to uphold the rule of law. “Your reluctance to return, even if reinstated, disrespects the sacrifices of Nigerians who challenged Tinubu’s actions from the streets to the courts,” CUPP said.

The coalition urged Fubara to retract his statement and reaffirm his commitment to democratic principles, emphasizing that the struggle was never about him personally but about defending the Constitution and the mandate of Rivers’ people.

“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending our democracy against unconstitutional actions by the APC-led government,” CUPP stated. “CUPP stands resolute in protecting Nigeria’s multi-party system and the rights of all citizens to democratic governance.”