The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has thrown his weight behind the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, warning that any state could face similar action if troublemakers persist in destabilising governance.
Speaking to journalists at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, Fagbemi said the Federal Government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend its leadership sends a strong message to those bent on disrupting peace and democracy across the country.
“It’s Rivers State today; it can be anybody’s turn tomorrow. Let the signal be clearly sent for those who want to foment trouble to think twice,” Fagbemi declared, underscoring the government’s resolve to maintain stability nationwide.
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The AGF’s remarks come a day after President Bola Tinubu announced the suspension of Fubara, Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months, citing the protracted political crisis in the oil-rich state. The President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
Fagbemi justified the drastic measures, accusing Fubara of failing to curb militancy and allowing the destruction of critical infrastructure, including the state’s House of Assembly complex. “No responsible government will fold its arms and watch a state descend into chaos. The President acted to salvage Rivers State,” he said.
The Justice Minister further dismissed speculations linking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to the crisis, insisting that Fubara’s actions were the root cause of the emergency rule. “Was Wike the one who demolished the Assembly? I don’t see his hand in this,” Fagbemi added, referencing the ongoing rift between Wike and his successor, Fubara.
The AGF also confirmed that the Federal Government would release Rivers State’s allocation to the newly sworn-in administrator, Ibas, to ensure governance continues uninterrupted. He urged those dissatisfied with the emergency declaration to seek redress through the National Assembly, which has the power to ratify or reject the President’s proclamation.
The political upheaval in Rivers State has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing Tinubu’s intervention as a bold step to restore order, while others, including critics like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, argue it oversteps federal authority and fails to address the underlying issues.
As the nation watches the unfolding drama, Fagbemi’s stern warning signals that the Federal Government is prepared to wield its powers to clamp down on any threats to Nigeria’s stability, wherever they may arise.
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