- N’ASS Failed To Check ‘Executive Overreach’ — Kwankwaso
- Your Understanding Of Law ‘Flawed’ — Minister
By Kolawole Ojebisi
The declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu and its prompt ratification by the National Assembly have led to an exchange of words between former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.
Kwankwaso had, on Friday, criticised the roles played by both the executive and legislative arms in ensuring emergency rule in the oil-producing state.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), made his stance known in a statement issued on his official X handle.
Kwankwaso described the move as an unconstitutional decision that threatens Nigeria’s democratic principles.
He also berated the president’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the assembly.
The politician also condemned the National Assembly for quickly endorsing the president’s proclamation, arguing that the legislature failed in its duty to check executive overreach.
“I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State, his Deputy, and all elected state legislators from office. The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune. It is, therefore, appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors.
“More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation.
“I had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury (sic) by passing this illegality. The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency,” he said.
But on Saturday night, the minister of state for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata tackled Kwankwaso over his stance on the situation in Rivers State.
Ata responded to Kwankwaso in a statement issued and signed by his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola.
He advised Kwankwaso to keep his opinion to himself, saying the President’s decision was taken in the best interest of national stability, democracy and internal security.
Atta 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.
He 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.
“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.
