State of Emergency in Rivers: Tinubu took necessary action to restore order – AGF Fagbemi

The Federal Government has defended its decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that no responsible administration would stand by while the situation deteriorates.  

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, justified the move, pointing to the worsening crisis, including attacks on oil installations, as a key reason for the intervention.

Fagbemi further highlighted the destruction of the State House of Assembly under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, which, he argued, obstructed lawmakers from performing their duties.

According to him, this development marked the beginning of the crisis, necessitating decisive presidential action.

The AGF took time to respond to the controversies surrounding the declaration on Wednesday while featuring in the Meet the Press Forum, usually organised by Presidential Media aides.

According to Fagbemi, the President indirectly gave Fubara a soft landing by allowing all warring parties to the crisis make amends within six months.

He said already impeachment threats were dangling before the governor.

The AGF, however, clarified that with the State of Emergency now in place, allocations meant for the state would be released to them on the request of the new sole administrator.