Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has dismissed claims that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike was responsible for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday imposed emergency rule in the state, citing prolonged political instability.
As part of the decision, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months, with former Chief of Naval Staff Ibok Ibas appointed as sole administrator.
Critics, however, have accused the president of siding with Wike while holding Fubara accountable for the crisis.
During an appearance on ARISE Television on Wednesday, journalist and public affairs analyst Mahmud Jega questioned the selective attribution of blame.
He argued that while the president highlighted Fubara’s alleged misdeeds, he failed to address Wike’s role in deepening the crisis.
“Is it normal in law or politics for a former governor to sit in Abuja and engineer divisions within the State House of Assembly?” Jega asked. “Unless this issue is addressed, Rivers State will not find stability before 2027.”
However, speaking to journalists at the State House on Thursday, Fagbemi defended the emergency declaration and placed responsibility on Governor Fubara.
He accused the governor of unlawfully demolishing the State House of Assembly complex to prevent a possible impeachment.
“The Supreme Court concluded that the governor foresaw a potential impeachment and took action to stop it. That is the crux of the matter,” Fagbemi said.
“Was Wike the one who ordered the demolition? I don’t see his hand in what happened.”
He added that the president acted decisively based on the Supreme Court’s findings, insisting that Tinubu had a duty to respond to the situation in Rivers State.
“The president made a bold decision, and we must respect the Supreme Court’s judgment,” Fagbemi stated.
Addressing those opposing the emergency rule, Fagbemi advised them to seek redress through the National Assembly.
“If lawmakers believe the president’s decision was unjustified, he will not secure the required two-thirds majority,” he noted. “We expect a resolution within 48 hours.”
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