The Federal Government has placed the blame for the state of emergency in Rivers State on suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of fueling militant activities and pipeline vandalism.
Speaking to reporters at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alleged that Fubara not only failed to prevent the destruction of oil pipelines but also indirectly encouraged it.
“There was what I would call telegraphing of the militants by the governor,” Fagbemi stated.
“He initially suggested that he would beckon on them to let them know when it was time to act. Even if we assume that was just rhetoric, did he come out to disown them when they took action? The answer is no. And barely a week later, we saw the vandalization of oil pipelines.”
Citing security reports, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also accused Fubara of inaction in his Tuesday night broadcast, saying the governor failed to curb those responsible for pipeline destruction.
The comments came just 24 hours after Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly for an initial six months.
However, Fubara has pleaded his innocence, denying any involvement in the crisis.
To restore order, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the state’s sole administrator.
Ibas was sworn in by the President on Wednesday, and the National Assembly is expected to approve the state of emergency declaration today.
