Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata has criticised the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for his comments against President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Ata said the decision was taken in the best interest of national stability and security.
This is contained in a statement issued in Kano yesterday by his aide, Seyi Olorunsola, in response to Kwankwaso’s recent comment in the media over the suspension of elected officials and declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
It would be recalled that Kwankwaso had described the state of emergency on Rivers as an unconstitutional overdrive that could foster a culture of impunity.
In response, Ata rebuked Kwankwaso. He stated that he should keep his opinions to himself and emphasised that it was a step to maintain law and order in Rivers State, which suffered prolonged political turmoil.
The minister further commended the National Assembly for its swift and responsible approval of the president’s proclamation.
“The current legislature is composed of astute minds capable of conducting timely and diligent reviews of security briefings to forestall the further escalation of crises, unlike Kwankwaso, who remained inactive throughout his four years in the Senate”, he stated.
“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,” Ata added.
The minister also described Kwankwaso as someone with a flawed understanding of law and governance, adding that the former governor of Kano State fostered a culture of political intimidation, particularly in his dealings with lawmakers during his tenure.
Ata, who had served in the state assembly, recalled that Kwankwaso had consistently disregarded legislative independence and the rule of law.
He criticised Kwankwaso’s partisan interference in the emirship tussle and highlighted the Kano State government’s persistent disregard for court orders.
“Governor Abba’s decision to proceed with local government elections despite a court injunction confirms that he merely executes Kwankwaso’s script.
“This poses a significant threat to the rule of law under the NNPP government in Kano,” he stated.
The minister warned that the continued undermining of traditional institutions and judicial processes has fueled political tension and dissatisfaction in Kano.
He called on Kwankwaso to desist from making unfounded statements on national issues, particularly on President Tinubu’s constitutional prerogative to declare a state of emergency when necessary.
