Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi defends President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers Governor Fubara, citing the necessity to protect Nigeria’s economic interests tied to oil production. He highlights the Supreme Court’s ruling against Fubara, emphasizing the gravity of constitutional breaches and maintaining that government action aligns with constitutional obligations.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has publicly supported President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Fagbemi stated that this decision serves to protect national economic interests, highlighting the critical role of oil production in Rivers State. Disruptions to this sector impact all Nigerians, making any act against pipelines a national concern.
Fagbemi also pointed out that, despite numerous interventions by concerned citizens and leaders, the crisis in Rivers remains unresolved. This prompted the President to take decisive action. He affirmed that the critical economic life of the nation cannot be compromised without appropriate responses from responsible parties.
Referring to a Supreme Court judgment from February 28, 2025, Fagbemi revealed that Governor Fubara was found guilty of constitutional violations and characterized his leadership as despotic. He emphasized that the Supreme Court has identified severe breaches that justified Tinubu’s intervention to prevent further deterioration of governance in Rivers State.
Fagbemi argued that ignoring the Supreme Court’s ruling would have been irresponsible, maintaining that serious allegations require a responsible leader to take action. He clarified that criticism regarding Tinubu’s overreach is misplaced, as his actions align with constitutional obligations to uphold court judgments.
The AGF’s remarks come against a backdrop of public outcry over the legality of suspending an elected governor. However, he insists that such measures are necessary to restore order and maintain the rule of law in the state.
In summary, the AGF supports President Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Fubara, citing the need to protect national economic interests tied to oil production. He underscores the Supreme Court’s findings of constitutional breaches by Fubara as a significant reason for intervention. Fagbemi maintains that the government’s actions are constitutional and necessary to uphold the rule of law in Rivers State, despite criticism regarding potential overreach.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
