In a press conference on March 19, 2025, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, explained the reasoning behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Fagbemi described the decision as necessary to address an escalating crisis in the state, where governance had collapsed following a Supreme Court ruling that accused the governor of acting like a despot.
“The president came out boldly yesterday to say the situation cannot be allowed to continue,” Fagbemi said. “There is no government in Rivers State.”
The root of the crisis began when the governor, fearing impeachment, dismantled the state’s House of Assembly, which is responsible for crucial functions like budget approval and oversight.
Fagbemi noted, “The government stands on the tripod, the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, and you have made the functioning of government impossible.”
Despite several efforts by the president and other well-meaning Nigerians to mediate, the situation worsened with the rise of militant activities, including the vandalization of oil pipelines.
Fagbemi emphasized that such actions “are not only the enemy of Rivers but the enemy of Nigeria.” The crisis, compounded by security concerns, left the president with no choice but to act decisively.
Addressing critics who described the move as hasty, Fagbemi responded, “When do you think he should have acted? When everything has collapsed?”
He insisted that the president’s actions were necessary to restore order and security. “The law envisages that you come in when there is imminent danger to the security of lives and property.”
The suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly was also defended by Fagbemi.
“If you give preferential treatment to anybody, you are giving preferential treatment to hooliganism,” he said, rejecting the notion of sparing those responsible for the chaos.
The Attorney General further clarified that the state of emergency was not a compromise to prevent impeachment but a measure to restore normalcy.
He also rejected comparisons to past state of emergency declarations under President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that the situation in Rivers was unique and required immediate intervention.
As tensions continue, Fagbemi emphasized that the responsibility for reconciliation now lies with the people of Rivers State.
“Let good sense prevail,” he urged. “The platform has been created for them to come together in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”