Rivers State Crisis: AGF Fagbemi Accuses Gov. Fubara Of Orchestrating Militant Attacks

AGF Fires Back: Accuses Gov. Fubara of Encouraging Militants

In a bold accusation that’s making waves across the country, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has pointed fingers at Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Speaking on Wednesday, the AGF alleged that the governor has been tele-guiding militants, indirectly encouraging them to sabotage critical national infrastructure in the state. This explosive claim comes just days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the escalating political crisis.

Naija News has learned that Fagbemi’s statement was aimed at justifying the president’s decision. The AGF painted a grim picture, accusing the governor of not just failing to act against the militants but possibly being complicit in their actions. In his words, “We are in a democracy, so now there were what I will call telegraphing of the militants, I will say, by the governor. And the reason I said so was when he began, he said oh, he will let them know when it was time to act to the militants.” This statement has sparked heated debates, with many questioning the governor’s role in the unfolding chaos.

Fagbemi Raises Red Flags: Why the Governor’s Silence is Troubling

Fagbemi didn’t stop there. He went on to question whether Governor Fubara had ever publicly distanced himself from the militants’ actions. “Did he come out to disown them? The answer is no. And a week after, they swung into action, you see or witness vandalization of oil pipelines,” he stated. This pointed critique highlights the governor’s perceived lack of leadership during a time when decisive action was desperately needed. The AGF’s words underscore the alarming disconnect between the state leadership and its responsibility to maintain law and order.

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The AGF also emphasized the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. In his view, the attacks on pipelines are not just a threat to Rivers State but to the entire nation. “For anyone to touch the pipeline, he is not only an enemy of Rivers but Nigeria,” Fagbemi remarked, stressing the gravity of the situation. With oil being a major source of revenue for the country, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Legal Grounds: AGF Links State of Emergency to Supreme Court Ruling

Fagbemi further explained that the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu was rooted in a Supreme Court judgment. According to him, the legal foundation laid by the court provided the necessary backing for the president’s bold move. He argued that the political instability in Rivers State, characterized by the inability of the governor and the state legislature to foster a stable governance environment, necessitated the suspension of Gov. Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Addressing critics who have labeled the state of emergency as a hasty decision, Fagbemi firmly rejected such claims. “People were living in fear while others were dying,” he stated, arguing that the dire circumstances called for immediate action. The AGF also dismissed comparisons to previous cases where the Supreme Court ruled on similar declarations, asserting that the situation in Rivers State was unique and demanded urgent intervention.

A Wider Warning: What the State of Emergency Means for Other States

In his concluding remarks, Fagbemi sent a strong message to other states grappling with political instability and security challenges. The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, he suggested, serves as a cautionary tale. The AGF implied that the federal government could impose stricter sanctions if similar issues arise elsewhere in the country. This warning underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, even if it means taking drastic measures.

As tensions continue to mount in Rivers State, the AGF’s accusations have ignited a national conversation about governance, accountability, and the role of state leaders in safeguarding their communities. Only time will tell how this unfolding drama will impact the future of Rivers State and the nation as a whole.