By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has picked holes with Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s condemnation of declaration of state-of-emergency in Rivers state, describing it as unpatriotic and sentimental.
Ata rather advised the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to keep his opinion to himself, insisting that President Tinubu did the right thing to quench the brewing political crisis in Rivers state.
Ata rebuked Kwankwaso, stating that the President’s decision was taken in the best interest of national stability and security.
He emphasized that the proclamation was a necessary step aimed at maintaining law and order in Rivers State, which has been embroiled in prolonged political turmoil.
The Minister 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.
Ata who spoke through his Media Aide, Seyi Olorunsola, maintained that 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 four years in the Senate.
He applauded lawmakers from Kano and other northern regions for prioritizing the security and welfare of Rivers State citizens over partisan considerations.
He said: “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._
The Minister described the former Kano state Governor as someone with, “a flawed understanding of law and governance.”
He accused the former Minister of Defence of fostering a culture of political intimidation, particularly in his dealings with lawmakers during his tenure as Governor of Kano state.
Ata, who previously served Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, recalled that Kwankwaso had consistently disregarded legislative independence and the Rule of Law.
He advised 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.
Ata criticized Kwankwaso’s partisan interference in the Emirship tussle, highlighting the Kano State government’s persistent disregard for court orders.
(Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata)
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