The AGF defends President Tinubu as PDP governors challenge his state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. With 11 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) hired, the case seeks to determine the president's powers over elected state officials. Legal tensions rise as political leaders call for resolution.
The legal and political conflict surrounding the state of emergency declared in Rivers State has intensified, as the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, prepares President Bola Tinubu’s defense against a lawsuit filed by the governors of 11 states from the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
These governors are contesting the President’s power to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and other elected officials, claiming that the declaration of emergency was unconstitutional. To challenge this move, the governors have enlisted a legal team of 11 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). Their lawsuit is focused on questioning whether the President has the constitutional authority to remove elected officials and install a sole administrator.
The legal proceedings are now before the Supreme Court, where the governors argue that the President's actions undermine the autonomy of state governments. In parallel, political figures such as former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson and security expert Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) have voiced their support for the reinstatement of Governor Fubara. Both leaders have called for peace and cooperation within the region, urging an amicable resolution to the dispute.
