Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, has staunchly defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a timely decision aimed at preventing further collapse in the state.
In an address to State House Correspondents following President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the AGF clarified that the President’s decision was based on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the political crisis in Rivers State. The Attorney General emphasised that the nation’s critical economic lifeline had been compromised due to criminal interference in Rivers, with inadequate response from the state government.
Fagbemi further justified the state of emergency by recalling the Supreme Court’s findings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the court’s judgment which pointed to 12 findings against him. He emphasized that the judgment of the apex court must be respected, as there was no higher body to appeal to.
The AGF condemned the governor’s refusal to comply with Supreme Court directives, arguing that it undermined the constitutional balance of power and rendered governance impossible in the state.
Fagbemi also criticized Governor Fubara’s failure to publicly denounce militant activities, accusing him of indirectly supporting militants. This, according to the AGF, has contributed to the ongoing political and security crisis in Rivers State. He pointed out that since the government took office, Nigeria’s oil production had risen significantly, but the state’s challenges remained unresolved.
The AGF further highlighted the inability of the Governor and the House of Assembly to foster an environment conducive to delivering the benefits of democracy to the people of Rivers State. He stressed that governance had been hindered by lack of cooperation between the Governor and the Assembly, preventing citizens from enjoying the dividends of democracy.
With the deteriorating security situation in Rivers State, Fagbemi asserted that President Tinubu acted decisively to prevent further escalation. He dismissed claims that the state of emergency declaration was hasty, stating that the intervention was necessary to address the immediate danger posed by ongoing violence.
The AGF urged all parties involved in the Rivers State political crisis to prioritize Nigeria’s unity and focus on the greater good. He also supported the release of funds for the newly appointed administrator of Rivers, acknowledging that extraordinary circumstances required extraordinary measures.
Fagbemi explained that anyone dissatisfied with the President’s proclamation should direct their grievances to the National Assembly, which holds the power to review and approve or reject the state of emergency. The Assembly requires a two-thirds majority to validate the President’s action.
The AGF also questioned the involvement of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the situation. He pointed out that the Supreme Court judgment did not implicate Wike, and questioned his role in the Governor’s actions or the demolition of the House of Assembly.
