The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that no responsible government would stand idly by as a crisis worsens without taking action for the good of its people. The party’s National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday, offering full support for the president’s bold move to address the escalating security situation in the state.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers came amid a growing security crisis that had raised concerns about the safety of residents. The NNPP’s backing of the state of emergency has stirred conversations about the role of government leadership during moments of crisis, with Dr. Major pointing out that the action was based on information that may not be available to the public.
Dr. Major emphasized that the president’s decision to act decisively was the right one, stressing that President Tinubu, as the Chief Security Officer of Nigeria, would have had access to critical information that justified the state of emergency. According to Major, the information available to the federal government may not always align with what is publicly reported, and it is this intelligence that guided the president’s actions.
“No responsible government will allow a situation to deteriorate before taking decisive action in the best interest of its citizens,” Major stated. He pointed out that had the crisis in Rivers been left unchecked, it could have escalated even further, threatening the lives and property of the state’s residents.
“The government in Rivers was suspended, and no one can actually say what would have happened by now, judging from the deepening crisis,” he added. According to Major, the situation in Rivers was worsened by some leaders who instead of fostering peace, allowed tensions to build before stepping in with criticism. His message was clear: leadership requires making tough choices to safeguard the public, even when such decisions are met with opposition or discomfort.
For Dr. Major, the primary duty of any government is to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. He compared the difficult decision to remove the oil subsidy, which previous administrations had been reluctant to take, but which President Tinubu chose to implement. He argued that despite the initial challenges caused by the removal of the subsidy, the country is now gradually emerging from the crisis and moving forward in a positive direction.
“Tinubu took that step, and we are gradually emerging from the crisis, moving forward for the better. The primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of citizens, and the general welfare of the greater numbers,” Major emphasized.
He expressed confidence that the six-month duration of the state of emergency would be in the best interest of Rivers residents, Nigeria’s democracy, and the country as a whole. Major called on citizens and leaders in the state to focus on the greater good rather than personal interests or petty politics.
The NNPP chairman also took the opportunity to appeal to Nigerian leaders to be mindful of their statements, especially in times of crisis, to avoid exacerbating the situation in Rivers or allowing tensions to spill over into other parts of the country. He stressed the importance of supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is designed to focus on national progress through hard work, trust, and the advancement of critical sectors such as science, technology, agriculture, education, and the rule of law.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda for a greater Nigeria should be our focus. It is centered on hard work, trust, science and technology, agriculture, education, the rule of law, and more. Focus should be on constructive criticism that will make for greater performance,” he said, urging Nigerians to work together for the country’s betterment instead of allowing division and negativity to dominate the discourse.
Speaking on the role of Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Major defended his right to have interests in the state, pointing out that as an indigene of Rivers, Wike would naturally be concerned about the state’s well-being.
He explained that while Wike holds a prominent position in the federal government, he is not an all-powerful figure with control over every aspect of the nation’s security apparatus. He noted that Wike is not in charge of critical security institutions such as the police or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which are essential to maintaining law and order in Nigeria.
“Wike as a minister is neither the Inspector General of Police, Chairman of EFCC, Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Judge of the Federation nor President of Nigeria. If our institutions are not compliant with their statutory functions, why can’t we leave Wike alone to live his life?” Major asked, defending Wike’s role and stressing that constructive opposition is a vital part of democracy.
He further pointed out that opposition should not simply be about dismissing everything the government does. Rather, it should be focused on offering useful suggestions that can help improve governance.
“Opposition to the government at the center is the lifeblood of democracy and a catalyst for good governance when it is constructive and aimed at enhancing productivity. However, if opposition simply means dismissing everything the government does as wrong, then something is definitely amiss,” Major said.
Dr. Major concluded his statement by urging all Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s decision and to move forward in unity. He called for the focus to be on constructive dialogue and working together for the country’s progress, rather than allowing personal interests or political rivalry to hinder the country’s development.
As the state of emergency in Rivers continues to unfold, the NNPP has made its stance clear: the government must prioritize the safety and security of its citizens, even if it means making difficult decisions. Dr. Major’s comments reflect a belief that leadership, particularly during times of crisis, requires tough choices, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.
With the federal government taking action to address the security situation in Rivers, the hope is that peace and stability can be restored, and the state can once again move forward as a thriving part of the nation. The path forward, according to the NNPP, is one of cooperation, constructive criticism, and national unity.