NNPP Chairman Backs Tinubu on Rivers Emergency Rule

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major has lent his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s action in imposing a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need for drastic action to ensure the security of the people’s lives and property.

Major who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Lagos, stated that the President’s action was likely informed by intelligence not available to the public.

“As Nigeria’s Chief Security Officer, President Tinubu has access to intelligence that is not necessarily available to the public.

“The Rivers state government was on the edge of collapse, and it is impossible to guess what would have occurred if the President did not act firmly,” he said.

Major further blamed some leaders in Rivers State for allowing the crisis to escalate before denouncing it.

“Instead of promoting peace and stability, some leaders chose to fan the ember of discord, and now they are condemning the President’s move to declare a state of emergency,” he further stated.

The NNPP leader referred to the security situation within Rivers State as “unacceptable” and unsafe for the life and property of the majority of citizens.

“President Tinubu is a leader who is not afraid to take tough decisions, no matter unpopular,” he asserted. He took the hard choice to remove the oil subsidy, and gradually, we’re recovering from the crisis.”

Major said that the primary responsibility of government is to protect the life and property of citizens and that a declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State is necessary to guarantee this.

“The government must have known more about the crisis than we are reading in the papers, and we believe the decision was made in the interest of the people of Rivers State.

“However, as a minister, he should not anticipate having equal power with the President or other senior government functionaries,” he stated.

The NNPP chairman emphasized that opposition is a fundamental part of democracy, yet it should be constructive and aimed at enhancing productivity.

“If opposition entails the rejection of all that the government does as wrong, then something is terribly wrong,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the endorsement of the NNPP for the President’s move, describing it as a reflection of the party’s commitment to national stability and security.

“We’re glad that the NNPP has seen the wisdom in the action of the President and is supportive of it,” APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, said.