Spear News
The Federal Government has assured Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State that his position remains secure despite the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
This assurance comes amid widespread criticism and legal debates surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to suspend the governor, his deputy, and the entire State House of Assembly.
Tinubu on Tuesday, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in order to address the protracted political logjam between Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members, who were fighting a proxy war on behalf of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, even after the Supreme Court pronouncement.
Yesterday, during a press conference at the State House in Abuja on March 19, 2025, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, defended the president’s decision, stating that it was necessary to restore order and prevent further economic and security deterioration in the state. Fagbemi stressed that the president had exhausted all diplomatic and mediatory options before resorting to the declaration of a state of emergency.
“The president acted as a statesman and a patriot,” Fagbemi said. “The situation in Rivers State had become untenable, with the governor failing to restrain militants from vandalizing critical oil infrastructure, which is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy. The president could not fold his arms and watch the state descend into chaos.”
Despite the suspension of Governor Fubara and other state officials, the Federal Government has indicated that the governor’s job is not in immediate jeopardy. Sources within the presidency suggest that the suspension is a temporary measure to allow for the restoration of normalcy and the rebuilding of democratic structures in the state. Once stability is achieved, Fubara is expected to resume his duties.
The AGF also addressed concerns about the legality of the suspension, stating that the president’s actions were in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, which allows for the declaration of a state of emergency in extraordinary situations. He dismissed claims that the president’s decision was influenced by political interests, particularly those of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has been accused of playing a behind-the-scenes role in the crisis.
“The president’s decision was based on the facts presented by the Supreme Court and the urgent need to protect the lives and property of Rivers State citizens,” Fagbemi said. “This is not about individuals or political interests; it is about the survival of democracy and the rule of law.”
The declaration of a state of emergency has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some have praised the president for taking decisive action, others, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have criticized the move, arguing that the political crisis in Rivers State did not warrant such extreme measures. However, the AGF maintained that the president acted in the best interest of the nation, emphasizing that the suspension of the governor and other officials was necessary to address the root causes of the crisis.
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