FG exonerates Wike, says Tinubu acted to save Rivers
The Federal Government has defended President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that the decision was crucial to prevent the collapse of governance in the state.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, addressed the media in Abuja on Wednesday, stating that the political crisis in Rivers had become so severe that intervention was necessary to avoid further deterioration.
Fagbemi also clarified that Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was not involved in the political issues that led to the emergency declaration.
He reassured that the state’s allocation from the Federation Account would be made available to Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), the newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers State, if requested.
Defending the timing of the intervention, Fagbemi noted that the president acted at the right moment, emphasizing that waiting longer would have allowed the situation to worsen. He also pointed out that President Tinubu had made efforts to mediate the crisis before resorting to emergency rule, offering parties involved ample time to resolve their differences.
The declaration followed ongoing political instability in the state, stemming from a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This turmoil had disrupted governance and raised concerns over security and economic stability in the region.
Tinubu’s emergency measures included suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for an initial six months. In place of the elected officials, Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed as sole administrator to oversee the state. The president also ensured that the judiciary in Rivers State would remain independent, with the emergency rule only affecting the executive and legislative branches.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the intervention as necessary for stability, while others view it as an overreach of executive power.
