The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that no responsible government would allow a crisis to escalate before taking action.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, defended the president’s decision, stating that it was likely based on intelligence unavailable to the general public.
“President Tinubu, as Nigeria’s Chief Security Officer, has access to intelligence reports that the public does not. The situation in Rivers was worsening, and without intervention, the outcome could have been disastrous,” Major said.
He criticized certain political leaders for allowing the crisis to spiral before stepping in with reactions, rather than proactively promoting peace.
Security Concerns in Rivers
Major described the security challenges in Rivers as a serious threat to lives and property, underscoring the need for swift intervention.
“Leadership is about making tough calls, not avoiding them. Just as Tinubu took the difficult decision to remove the oil subsidy, something previous administrations hesitated to do, this move is meant to restore order and stability,” he explained.
He added that emergency rule, expected to last six months or less, was imposed in the interest of Rivers residents, democracy, and national stability.
Calls for Responsible Opposition
Addressing opposition to the federal government’s actions, Major urged political leaders to ensure their statements do not further inflame tensions.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda should remain our focus, built on trust, hard work, science and technology, agriculture, education, and the rule of law. Constructive criticism is necessary for good governance, but opposing everything for opposition’s sake serves no one,” he noted.
On Wike’s Influence in Rivers
Regarding concerns over Minister Nyesom Wike’s involvement in the state’s affairs, Major argued that as a former governor and indigene of Rivers, Wike naturally has interests in the region.
“Wike is not the Inspector General of Police, EFCC Chairman, Attorney General, or Chief Judge of Nigeria. If our institutions are failing in their duties, why not focus on fixing them instead of blaming him?” he said.
He stressed that opposition should be geared toward improving governance rather than outrightly rejecting every move made by the ruling administration.
With the emergency declaration now in effect, all eyes will be on how the federal government navigates the crisis in Rivers State and whether this intervention brings the much-needed stability.
