Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is responsible for the crisis.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Fagbemi dismissed claims that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike was behind the unrest.
He questioned why Wike would be blamed when it was Fubara who allegedly took actions that worsened the situation.
Fagbemi pointed to the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, suggesting that Fubara was trying to prevent an impeachment.
He stated that the Supreme Court had already ruled that the state government was not functioning, which led to the federal government’s intervention.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
He also appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibokette Ibas, as the sole administrator, citing the prolonged political crisis as the reason for the move.
Fagbemi maintained that Tinubu acted in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling, saying the President had no other choice.
He also addressed those criticizing the state of emergency, advising them to take their concerns to the National Assembly.
He added that the lawmakers would decide whether to approve or reject the President’s action.
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