The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning recent calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State. The group warned that any such move would be unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria.
In a press release signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, CNPP stated that while it acknowledges the gravity of the security challenges in Benue and other parts of the country, “you cannot use illegality to fight criminality.”
According to CNPP, while the recent call for the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State by Catholic priests under the aegis of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) is unclear on the fate of elected officials, no elected officials should be unconstitutionally removed.
โThe idea of declaring a state of emergencyโespecially if it involves the suspension or removal of democratically elected officialsโis a blatant violation of the constitution and an affront to the principles of democratic governance,โ CNPP declared. โAny attempt to undermine the will of the people under the guise of restoring order is unacceptable, and we warn against any executive overreach that could plunge the country further into constitutional crisis.โ
The political coalition expressed grave concern over reports of foreign mercenaries and terrorist groups allegedly operating in Benue, reportedly being used to settle local political disputes. CNPP called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to act swiftly and lawfully.
โRather than entertain undemocratic solutions, the federal government must confront the crisis with the urgency, clarity, and legality it demands,โ Ezema said.
โWe call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubuโฆto immediately order the flushing out of these foreign mercenaries and armed groups destabilizing Benue State. Their presence is a threat not only to the people of Benue but to the peace and security of the entire nation.โ
Benue, commonly referred to as the โfood basket of the nation,โ has suffered recurrent violent attacks, often attributed to militant herdsmen and other armed groups. CNPP warned that failure to secure Benue threatens Nigeriaโs broader food security.
โThe ongoing attacks on its rural farming communities are already having dire consequences on food availability and affordability nationwide,โ the CNPP statement noted.
โWith food inflation at record highs and millions of Nigerians struggling to survive under an economically mismanaged system, the loss of Benue to terrorism is not just a regional problemโit is a national catastrophe.โ
The group criticized the federal government for failing to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect lives and property, calling for an end to what it described as a pattern of excuse-making from the presidency.
โThe continued killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, attacks by killer herdsmen, and other criminal acts across the country point to a failure of leadership and coordination at the highest levels,โ CNPP said. โIt is no longer acceptable for the presidency to shift blame. Nigerians deserve protection.โ
The statement also referenced the situation in Rivers State, warning against making it a template for other states. In Rivers, recent political tensions have raised concerns about executive overreach and constitutional breaches.
โThe illegality currently unfolding in Rivers State, where the rule of law and democratic norms are being subverted, must not become a precedent for similar actions in other parts of Nigeria,โ the group stated. โWe will resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a state where constitutional democracy is sacrificed on the altar of expediency and political manipulation.โ
In its concluding demands, CNPP urged the Tinubu administration to:
โ1. Immediately deploy security forces to dismantle terrorist and mercenary networks in Benue State.
โ2. Issue a clear presidential directive for lawful and intelligence-led security operations.
โ3. Respect democratic institutions and refrain from any actions that target elected officials.
โ4. Implement transparent and comprehensive peace strategies across troubled regions.
โThe time to act is now,โ the statement concluded. โNigeria cannot afford to lose its food basket to terrorism, nor can we afford to lose our democracy to executive lawlessness. The people of Benue deserve peace. The people of Nigeria deserve justice. And democracy must be preserved at all costsโ, the CNPP stated.
The CNPPโs statement adds to growing public discourse on the governmentโs handling of security, constitutional governance, and the future of Nigeriaโs democratic institutions amid increasing instability.
