Shocking! AGF Fagbemi Exposes Hidden Truths Behind Rivers Political Tension

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a nationwide address on Tuesday evening, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the urgent need to restore law and order. As part of the declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months.

To manage the state’s affairs during this period, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator.

Transcript of Press Conference by AGF Lateef Fagbemi – March 19, 2025, at the State House, Abuja

Opening Remarks by AGF Fagbemi:

“It is no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR took decisive action yesterday, demonstrating the leadership expected of a statesman, patriot, and Commander-in-Chief.

The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for a long time, and despite multiple interventions from the President, well-meaning Nigerians, and other stakeholders, no resolution was reached. The President could no longer allow the situation to persist, especially when it began to threaten the nation’s economic lifeline.

The turning point came with the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025. The court, after a thorough examination, found severe constitutional breaches, particularly by Governor Fubara. The ruling described his actions as despotic and concluded that, under the prevailing conditions, there was effectively no functioning government in Rivers State. These are serious findings that no responsible leader could ignore.

In his address, the President presented a clear account of the crisis from start to finish. It’s important to note that the Supreme Court’s judgment was widely reported, and the President was not a party to the case. There is no question of interference, and the Constitution mandates all citizens to respect and enforce the court’s decisions, especially when they come from the highest judicial authority in the land.

I am here to answer any questions and provide necessary clarifications. Thank you.”

Q&A Session

Q: Was a state of emergency truly necessary in Rivers State? Some believe the President acted hastily.

AGF Fagbemi:
“To understand this decision, we must look at the sequence of events. The crisis dates back to late 2023, when governance in Rivers State began to deteriorate. Governor Fubara unilaterally demolished the State House of Assembly, disregarding the crucial role of lawmakers in passing budgets, approving appointments, and carrying out oversight functions.

Following this, the governor handpicked and sheltered three or four legislators, setting them up in the Government House to perform legislative duties. This move led to multiple legal battles, with at least 15 cases heard in court. Ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled against the governor, highlighting significant constitutional violations.

Given the gravity of the situation, the President’s decision was neither hasty nor arbitrary—it was a necessary step to restore order and uphold the rule of law.”

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