Rivers: Fubara tele-guided militants to blow up pipelines — AGF
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State played a role in the recent destruction of oil pipelines by militants in the state.
Speaking in defense of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, Fagbemi claimed that Fubara not only failed to prevent the attacks but had also indirectly encouraged the militants.
“There was what I would call telegraphing of the militants by the governor,” Fagbemi said.
“He initially suggested that he would let them know when it was time to act. Even if we assume that was just rhetoric, did he come out to disown them when they took action? The answer is no. And barely a week after, we saw the vandalization of oil pipelines.”
The AGF emphasized the importance of oil infrastructure to Nigeria’s economy, warning that anyone involved in its destruction is not just an enemy of Rivers State but of the entire country.
Fagbemi justified the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s lawmakers, arguing that they had failed to create an atmosphere conducive to governance.
“The President acted based on the Supreme Court’s judgment, but also to protect critical infrastructure in Rivers State,” he explained.
“People were living in fear, and some were losing their lives. This is an extraordinary situation that required decisive action.”
The AGF dismissed claims that Tinubu’s intervention was hasty, insisting that the escalating crisis left the President with no choice.
Fagbemi also noted that the National Assembly has the constitutional authority to overturn the suspensions by refusing to grant the required two-thirds majority approval.
“The ball is now in the court of the National Assembly,” he stated.
“If they do not ratify it, the suspensions will not stand.”
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has sparked widespread debate, with critics accusing Tinubu of political overreach while supporters argue that it was necessary to restore stability.
Details to come later…
