The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has made a startling allegation against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Fagbemi claims that the governor effectively encouraged militant groups to vandalize pipelines in the state.

Fagbemi’s assertion is based on a statement allegedly made by Governor Fubara, in which he hinted at a future call to action for the militants. According to Fagbemi, this statement was effectively a telegraphed message to the militants, which they subsequently acted upon.

The AGF emphasized the gravity of this situation, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil. “Any attack on our pipelines is not just an attack on Rivers State, but on the entire nation,” Fagbemi said.

Fagbemi defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the Supreme Court’s judgment as the basis for this action. The AGF argued that Governor Fubara and the state house of assembly had failed to maintain a stable environment for governance, necessitating their suspension.

Fagbemi dismissed criticisms that the president’s action was premature, pointing out that the situation in Rivers State had become increasingly dire. “People are living in fear, and lives are being lost. This is an extraordinary situation that demands extraordinary measures,” Fagbemi said.

The AGF noted that the National Assembly has the power to reverse the suspensions, but this would require a two-thirds majority vote. Fagbemi also suggested that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State serves as a warning to other states, indicating that the government will take decisive action to maintain order and protect critical infrastructure.