Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi supports President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the need to protect Nigeria’s economic interests, particularly in oil production. He cited a Supreme Court ruling that found Fubara guilty of constitutional breaches and emphasized the necessity of government action to restore order and uphold the rule of law, maintaining that Tinubu’s actions are constitutional.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. He asserted that this decision was vital for protecting national economic interests, particularly emphasizing the importance of oil production in Rivers State, which he stated impacts all Nigerians.
Fagbemi warned against any interference with oil pipelines, stating, “In today’s Nigeria, for anyone to touch these pipelines, it’s not only the enemy of Rivers, it’s the enemy of Nigeria.” He highlighted that disruptions in this sector affect all 36 states that benefit from the revenues generated from oil production.
Despite various interventions from prominent individuals and leaders, the ongoing crisis in Rivers remained unresolved, leading to the President’s decisive action. According to Fagbemi, President Tinubu could not allow the critical economic stability of the nation to be jeopardized without a response.
The Attorney General referenced a Supreme Court ruling from February 28, 2025, which found Governor Fubara guilty of constitutional violations and labeled his leadership as despotic. He stressed that the Supreme Court’s ruling signified serious breaches of constitutional duty, and to ignore it would be an act of irresponsibility on the part of the federal government.
Fagbemi further addressed concerns regarding Presidential overreach, stating that President Tinubu was not a party to the judgment, and emphasized that his actions align with constitutional mandates to uphold judicial rulings. This statement came amid criticism regarding the legality of suspending an elected governor, with Fagbemi asserting that the intervention was necessary to restore governance and maintain the rule of law.
In summary, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi has justified President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a crucial step for the nation’s economic security, particularly regarding oil production. Citing a Supreme Court ruling on constitutional breaches, Fagbemi emphasized the need for decisive government action amid ongoing crises, while also clarifying concerns over potential presidential overreach. This intervention aims to reinforce the rule of law in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
