The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of aiding militants in the recent attacks on oil pipelines in the state.
Fagbemi, who defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, alleged that Fubara not only failed to prevent the vandalism but also indirectly encouraged it.
“There was what I would call tele-guiding of the militants by the governor,” Fagbemi stated.
“He initially hinted that he would signal them when the time was right. Even if we assume that was mere rhetoric, did he distance himself from them when the destruction began? The answer is no. And barely a week after, we witnessed the sabotage of critical oil infrastructure.”
The AGF underscored the strategic importance of oil facilities to the nation’s economy, warning that those involved in their destruction were not only endangering Rivers State but the entire country.
Fagbemi further defended Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly, stressing that their leadership failures necessitated the federal intervention.
“The President acted in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling and to protect vital infrastructure in Rivers State,” he explained.
“People were living in fear, and some even lost their lives. This was an emergency that required swift and decisive action.”
Dismissing claims that Tinubu’s action was premature, the AGF insisted that the deteriorating security situation left the President with no alternative.
He also pointed out that the National Assembly holds the constitutional power to overturn the suspensions by denying the required two-thirds majority approval.
“The ball is now in the court of the National Assembly,” he said.
“If they refuse to ratify it, the suspensions will be nullified.”
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has continued to generate controversy, with critics accusing Tinubu of political interference, while supporters argue that the move was necessary to restore order.
Leave a Reply