“Don’t dare Federal Govt” – Attorney General of the Federation warn state governments, accuse Fubara of influencing militants
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a stern warning to state governments, cautioning against actions that could national security and stability in danger.
He also went on to accuse Siminalayi Fubara, of allegedly influencing militants to sabotage oil pipelines in Rivers state.
On Tuesday 18th March 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state, suspending the democratically elected Governor Fubara, and all House of Assembly members.
In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the situation, stating:”I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance. Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did, but their efforts have been to no avail.”
“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency. By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.”
Speaking on Wednesday 19th March 2025, Fagbemi accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of allegedly influencing militants to sabotage oil pipelines in the state. His remarks came while defending President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis.
According to the AGF, even if Governor Fubara did not directly order the attacks, his failure to denounce the militants’ threats made him complicit. “We are in a democracy. The governor was seen telegraphing militants, suggesting he would let them know when to act. Even if that was misinterpreted, did he disown them? No. A week later, pipelines were vandalized,” he asserted.
Fagbemi emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria’s oil sector, warning that any attack on critical infrastructure is not just an assault on Rivers State but on the entire nation. He maintained that the Supreme Court’s judgment formed the legal basis for Tinubu’s declaration of emergency, adding that the decision was necessary to protect vital assets and restore governance in the state.
“The governor and the state house of assembly members had to be suspended because they failed to ensure a conducive atmosphere for governance,” he explained, pushing back against claims that the federal government acted hastily.
He further stated that the situation in Rivers demanded extraordinary measures, noting that the National Assembly now holds the power to either uphold or overturn the president’s decision by denying it the required two-thirds majority.
The AGF’s remarks serve as a clear warning to other state governments, signaling the federal government’s readiness to take strict action against any threat to national stability.
