A political storm is brewing over the federal government’s handling of the crisis in Rivers State, as New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, warned that invoking emergency powers in Rivers State was unnecessary and unconstitutional. He accused the judiciary of questionable rulings and slammed the National Assembly for acting like a “rubber stamp” in approving the move.
Backing Kwankwaso’s stance, NNPP chieftain Asiwaju Moshood Shittu praised the intervention as timely and necessary. “These were the words expected from a two-term governor who understands governance and legislative processes,” Shittu said in a statement.
He cautioned that imposing emergency measures in Rivers State could backfire, further destabilizing the region rather than resolving the crisis. Instead of using emergency provisions under Sections 134, 135, and 136 of the Constitution, Shittu advised President Tinubu to focus on reconciliation and dialogue among key political stakeholders in Rivers State.
Shittu also pointed out that Kwankwaso took his time before speaking on the issue, demonstrating statesmanship rather than rushing to inflame tensions. He urged Tinubu to reconsider his approach, emphasizing that “Nigeria needs dialogue, not emergency powers.”
The opposition to Tinubu’s move reflects broader concerns about the increasing use of executive authority to address political conflicts. With Rivers State already facing heightened tensions, the coming weeks will determine whether the President sticks to his decision or explores alternative solutions.
