Rivers: Keep your opinion to yourself, Tinubu’s minister tells Kwankwaso

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has criticized 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, for his recent comment on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement issued and signed by the Mister’s media aide Seyi […]

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

In a statement issued and signed by the Mister’s media aide Seyi Olorunsola, the minister advised Kwankwaso to keep his opinion to himself, saying the President’s decision was taken in the best interest of national stability of democracy and internal security.

The minister also explained that the public should understand that the proclamation was a necessary step take to maintain law and order in Rivers State, which he said 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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“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,” he said.

The Minister added that it was unfortunate that Kwankwaso seems to be someone with a flawed understanding of law and governance. He advised Kwankwaso Kwankwaso to focus his energy on resolving the ongoing crisis within the Kano Emirate Council, which has been exacerbated by him through his political protege, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“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.