Minister fires back at Kwankwaso over comments on Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has strongly criticized the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, over his recent comment on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In a statement issued by his aide, Seyi Olorunsola, on Saturday, Ata hit hard on Kwankwaso, stating that he should keep his opinions to himself as the President’s decision was taken in the best interest of national stability and security.

He emphasized that the proclamation was a necessary step aimed at maintaining law and order in Rivers State, which has been embroiled in prolonged political turmoil.

The Minister also commended both chambers of the National Assembly—the Senate and the House of Representatives—for their swift and responsible approval of the President’s proclamation.

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According to Ata, the current legislature is composed of astute minds capable of conducting timely and diligent reviews of security briefings to forestall further escalation of crises, unlike Kwankwaso, who remained inactive throughout his 4years in the Senate.

The minister specially applauded lawmakers from Kano and other northern regions for prioritizing the security and welfare of Rivers State citizens over partisan considerations.

“I praise President Bola Tinubu for being decisive and demonstrating that he is attuned to the concerns of Nigerians. The President is firmly in charge of his government and is proactively addressing national issues,” the statement quoted the minister to have said.

Taking further aim at Kwankwaso, Ata described him as someone with a flawed understanding of law and governance.

He accused the former Kano governor of fostering a culture of political intimidation, particularly in his dealings with lawmakers during his tenure.

Ata, who previously served in the Kano State house of Assembly, recalled that Kwankwaso had consistently disregarded legislative independence and the rule of law, even as he advised the former governor to focus his energy on resolving the ongoing crisis within the Kano Emirate Council, which has been reportedly exacerbated by him through his political protege, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

He criticized Kwankwaso’s partisan interference in the emirship tussle, highlighting the Kano State government’s persistent disregard for court orders, adding that “Governor Abba’s decision to proceed with local government elections despite a court injunction confirms that he is merely executing Kwankwaso’s script. This poses a significant threat to the rule of law under the NNPP government in Kano.”

The Minister further warned that the continued undermining of traditional institutions and judicial processes has fueled political tension and public dissatisfaction in Kano.

He called on Kwankwaso to refrain from making unfounded statements on national issues, particularly on President Tinubu’s constitutional prerogative to declare a state of emergency when necessary.
“For the record, President Tinubu acted within the confines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants him the authority to enforce emergency measures while ensuring proper legislative oversight within the stipulated time-frame. Any state facing prolonged instability should take heed and address its internal issues,” Ata asserted.

He also stressed the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between governors and lawmakers, pointing out that the breakdown of such relations in Rivers State had contributed to the temporary displacement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from Government House.

Ata reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to upholding democracy, security, and the rule of law in all parts of Nigeria, urging political leaders to act responsibly in the nation’s interest.