Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi has supported President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the need to protect Nigeria’s economic interests due to ongoing disruptions in oil production. Fagbemi referenced a Supreme Court ruling finding Fubara guilty of constitutional violations, emphasizing the necessity for federal intervention.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, arguing that it was crucial to protect Nigeria’s national economic interests. Fagbemi highlighted the importance of oil production in Rivers, warning that disruptions could impact all Nigerians.
Fagbemi stated, “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.” He noted that despite interventions from various leaders, the crisis in Rivers had not been resolved, necessitating the President’s intervention.
The AGF indicated that the President’s decisive action was prompted by the ongoing threat to the nation’s economic stability. “A situation in which the critical economic life of the nation… is criminally touched cannot continue,” he stated. He also referred to a Supreme Court ruling from February 28, 2025, which found Governor Fubara guilty of constitutional violations.
Fagbemi emphasized that this ruling classified Fubara’s leadership style as despotic, which he argued warranted federal government action. He expressed that ignoring such serious allegations would be irresponsible. “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 remarked.
Regarding concerns over presidential overreach, Fagbemi clarified that President Tinubu is not implicated in the Supreme Court’s ruling and that his actions align with constitutional obligations to enforce court judgments. He asserted that the intervention aims to restore order and uphold the rule of law following Fubara’s suspension, which has sparked debates about the legality of removing an elected governor.
In conclusion, the Attorney General’s defense of President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara underscores the federal government’s commitment to safeguard national economic interests and enforce judicial rulings. With the Supreme Court’s serious findings against Fubara, the AGF insists that the President’s actions were necessary to address a deteriorating situation and maintain the rule of law in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
