Politics
Kwankwaso Slams Tinubu Over Rivers Crisis, Labels National Assembly as ‘Rubber Stamp’
By Our Correspondent
Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Kwankwaso criticized the president’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected state legislators, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent and edge the military closer to political power.
“I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, his deputy, and all elected state legislators from office. The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive accountable, not to serve as a rubber stamp.
Unfortunately, the 10th National Assembly has proven to be more subservient than any of its predecessors,” Kwankwaso stated.
He further accused the National Assembly of failing in its constitutional duty by swiftly endorsing Tinubu’s proclamation, arguing that lawmakers had legitimized what he termed an “illegal” move.
“More disturbing is the National Assembly’s hasty ratification of this proclamation. I had hoped that legislators would not worsen the situation by legitimizing this illegality.
The Constitution provides clear guidelines for voting on matters of such importance, yet the use of a voice vote in this case lacks proper procedure and transparency,” he said.
Judiciary Must Uphold Democracy—Kwankwaso
Kwankwaso called on the judiciary to resist external influence and uphold constitutional order.
“Our judiciary has a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power. Judges must remain impartial and ensure that their rulings are free from political interference. The custodians of our laws must rise to the occasion and ensure justice prevails,” he urged.
Expressing concerns over the potential militarization of governance, Kwankwaso warned that Nigeria must not reverse the democratic progress it has made since 1999.
“For a politician who prides himself as a defender of democracy, President Tinubu should know better than to bring the military into a position of leadership. This move is highly dangerous and threatens the democratic gains we have made over the past 26 years.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo worked hard to confine the military to the barracks, and we must not undo that progress,” he cautioned.
Tinubu Cites Security Concerns, Opposition Rejects Justification
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following reports of an attack on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, which disrupted crude oil production. In a nationwide address, he accused the state government of failing to address security threats, including acts of vandalism by militants.
However, legal experts and opposition figures have questioned the legality of Tinubu’s decision.
Kwankwaso echoed these concerns, arguing that the move could set a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.
“The political situation in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. This action is an unconstitutional overreach and, if left unchecked, could foster a culture of impunity in the country,” he warned.
By Ibrahim Sani Shawai
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, has called for a peaceful, respectful and issue-based political campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the interest of Gombe State must remain above personal and political differences.
Dr. Gwamna made the call in a press statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, where he emphasized that his campaign would focus on solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than engaging in insults, personal attacks or divisive politics.
According to the APC governorship flag bearer, the people of Gombe State deserve a campaign centred on ideas, policies and practical programmes capable of improving their lives.
“From the very beginning, I made it clear that I will run an issues-based campaign. I have no interest in politics of insults, personal attacks, or needless distractions,” Dr. Gwamna stated.
He noted that the guiding philosophy of his campaign remains “Gombe Above All,” stressing that every policy and programme under his administration would be designed to promote unity, development and prosperity for all citizens.
Dr. Gwamna disclosed that his campaign would focus on critical sectors such as job creation, economic growth, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and livestock development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.
He also urged the people of Gombe State to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is contesting for the Gombe Central Senatorial seat, as well as other APC candidates seeking election into the Senate and House of Representatives.
The APC candidate described the achievements of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration as clear evidence of the party’s commitment to good governance and sustainable development in Gombe State.
“Our campaign is equally committed to consolidating the remarkable achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya while introducing fresh ideas, innovative policies and strategic initiatives that will accelerate growth,” he said.
Dr. Gwamna further revealed that a comprehensive development blueprint for Gombe State would be unveiled once campaigns for governorship and State Assembly positions officially commence.
The blueprint, he explained, would be anchored on the principles of Continuity, Sustainability and Consolidation, aimed at building on the successes of the current administration while introducing practical solutions to create more opportunities, improve living standards and ensure that development reaches all parts of the state.
He expressed confidence that Gombe possesses the human and natural resources needed to emerge as one of Africa’s leading sub-national economies through visionary leadership, disciplined governance and collective efforts.
Dr. Gwamna therefore called on political actors, supporters and citizens across party lines to maintain peace and uphold the values of mutual respect throughout the electoral process.
Political observers say the APC candidate’s emphasis on issue-based politics could set a new tone for campaigns in Gombe State, where citizens are increasingly demanding policies and programmes that directly address their socio-economic needs.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesperson to Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
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