Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stating that the decision was necessary to safeguard national economic interests.
Speaking on the matter, Fagbemi emphasized the significance of oil production in Rivers State, warning that any disruption to the sector affects all Nigerians.
“In today’s Nigeria, for anyone to touch these pipelines, it’s not only the enemy of Rivers, it’s the enemy of Nigeria. All Nigerians, all the 36 states share in what comes in from the production of this oil,” Fagbemi said.
He noted that despite multiple interventions from well-meaning Nigerians and leaders of thought, the crisis in Rivers remained unresolved, prompting the President to act decisively.
“The President came out boldly yesterday to say the situation cannot be allowed to continue. A situation in which the critical economic life of the nation… is criminally touched without any response from those who would ordinarily be expected to do so cannot continue,” he added.
Fagbemi also referenced the Supreme Court judgment delivered on February 28, 2025, which found Governor Fubara guilty of constitutional breaches and described his leadership as despotic.
“The Supreme Court, that’s the highest court in the land, made a categorical pronouncement after making very profound findings of breaches of the Constitution by the parties involved, particularly the governor of Rivers State. It came to the conclusion that he was acting like a despot and that as the situation is in Rivers State, there is no government,” Fagbemi stated.
He argued that given the gravity of the Supreme Court’s ruling, it would have been irresponsible for the federal government to remain passive.
“These are very serious and very worthy allegations that only an irresponsible head of state or leader will fold his arms to and ignore,” he asserted.
Addressing concerns about presidential overreach, Fagbemi clarified that Tinubu was not a party to the Supreme Court ruling, and his actions were in line with constitutional provisions.
“By virtue of certain provisions of the Constitution, everybody has a duty to ensure that the judgment of the court is obeyed,” he said.
The AGF’s comments come amid widespread reactions to the President’s intervention in Rivers, with critics questioning the legality of suspending an elected governor. However, Fagbemi insists the move was necessary to restore order and uphold the rule of law.
Chioma Kalu
Follow us on:
