The Federal Government has defended its decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing unprovoked attacks on vital oil installations amid the ongoing political crisis.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that President Bola Tinubu acted proactively to prevent further destruction of critical national assets. He blamed the Rivers State Government for failing to protect the country’s major revenue source, necessitating federal intervention.
On the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Fagbemi argued that the move spared the governor from an imminent impeachment. He also dismissed claims that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, played a role in the decision, calling such assertions baseless.
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Fagbemi advised critics of the emergency declaration to take their concerns to the National Assembly, as the proclamation has already been gazetted and forwarded for legislative approval.
