Rivers: NNPP Chieftain Backs Kwankwaso Over Position On State of Emergency

A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Asiwaju Moshood Shittu has thrown his weight behind the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over his recent comments on the political crisis in Rivers State.

Kwankwaso, a national leader of the NNPP had criticised President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that such a step was unnecessary and unconstitutional.

The former Kano State governor also accused the judiciary of delivering questionable interpretations and criticised the legislature for acting like a rubber stamp.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Shittu, a former Director-General (North) of the Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Council and one-time National Chairman of the defunct Alliance National Party, described Kwankwaso’s intervention as “a step in the right direction.”

According to him, “These were the words expected from a two-term governor who understands governance and legislative processes. From all indications, the actions being taken by the Presidency, especially after the Supreme Court verdict and the quick ratification by both chambers of the National Assembly, could breach the fragile peace in the country.”

Shittu further urged President Tinubu to heed Kwankwaso’s counsel, warning that brinkmanship at this stage could plunge the country into deeper crisis.

He said rather than invoking standing orders 134, 135, and 136 under Section 304 of the Constitution, the President and the National Assembly ought to have pursued reconciliation and consensus among stakeholders in Rivers State.

“The way Kwankwaso took his time before making his comments shows statesmanship. It’s not too late for Mr. President to reconsider. Nigeria needs dialogue, not emergency powers,” Shittu added.