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Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi blames Governor Siminalayi Fubara for Rivers State’s political crisis, defending President Tinubu’s emergency rule and suspension of the governor. Fagbemi dismisses claims against Nyesom Wike and urges critics to challenge Tinubu’s decision through the National Assembly. The move has sparked national debate and legal concerns.

Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi has blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the political crisis in Rivers State, justifying President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule, the suspension of Fubara, and the appointment of a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd).

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Fagbemi accused Fubara of deliberately escalating tensions by demolishing the State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment and refusing to rebuild it for over a year. He also alleged that Fubara ignored a Supreme Court ruling from February 2025 and failed to address threats from militants planning to sabotage oil pipelines.

According to Fagbemi, the situation had reached a breaking point where the state’s political turmoil was endangering national economic stability. He claimed that the emergency rule effectively saved Fubara from a complete political downfall, as pro-Wike lawmakers were already moving towards impeachment. Had the process been completed, both Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, would have been removed from office with over two years left in their tenure.

The AGF also dismissed allegations that Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike orchestrated Fubara’s political troubles. He argued that Wike had no direct role in the demolition of the Assembly complex, the governor’s failure to present a budget, or the refusal to seek legislative approval for commissioner appointments.

Fagbemi urged critics of Tinubu’s decision to channel their grievances through the National Assembly, emphasizing that constitutional provisions were followed. However, the emergency rule has sparked nationwide controversy, with opposition figures and legal experts, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Femi Falana, and the Nigerian Bar Association, condemning the move. Meanwhile, pro-Wike lawmakers have supported the decision, accusing Fubara of disregarding the Supreme Court’s directives.