Minister Blasts Kwankwaso Over comments on Rivers State Emergency Declaration

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has criticized Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso for opposing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling his stance unpatriotic and sentimental.

Ata urged the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to refrain from making divisive comments, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s decision was necessary to restore stability and security in the state.

“The President’s proclamation is in the best interest of national stability. Rivers State has been plagued by prolonged political unrest, and this move was essential to restoring law and order,” Ata stated.

Commending the National Assembly for swiftly approving the emergency declaration, the minister noted that the legislature consists of competent individuals who objectively assess security briefings—unlike Kwankwaso, whom he accused of being largely inactive during his tenure as a senator.

“I praise President Bola Tinubu for his decisive leadership. He is fully in charge and proactively addressing national issues,” Ata said in a statement through his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola.

He further described Kwankwaso as having a flawed understanding of governance, accusing him of fostering political intimidation, particularly during his time as Kano State Governor and as Minister of Defence.

Ata, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, recalled Kwankwaso’s history of undermining legislative independence and the rule of law. He urged him to focus on resolving the ongoing Kano Emirate Council crisis, which, according to him, has been worsened by Kwankwaso’s political influence over Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The minister also condemned Kwankwaso’s alleged interference in the Kano Emirship dispute, accusing the state government of repeatedly disregarding court orders.