Justice Minister To State Governors: Don’t Put Our Power To The Test
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has warned heads of the second tier of government against putting the power of the Federal Government to the test.
He also urged state governments to stay away from actions that can undermine national security and stability.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Fagbemi, who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of encouraging militants to vandalize oil pipelines in the state while noting that he had done this indirectly.
The AGF added that although Governor Fubara did not directly order the attacks, his failure to denounce the militants’ threats however made him complicit.
‘We are in a democracy. The governor was seen telegraphing militants, suggesting he would let them know when to act. Even if that was misinterpreted, did he disown them? ‘No’. A week later, pipelines were vandalized’ he said.
Fagbemi emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria’s oil sector, warning that any attack on critical infrastructure is not just an assault on Rivers State but on the entire nation.
The Supreme Court’s judgment , he added, formed the legal basis for Tinubu’s declaration of emergency noting that the decision was necessary to protect vital assets and restore governance in the state.
‘The governor and the state house of assembly members had to be suspended because they failed to ensure an enabling atmosphere for governance’ he said.
The Justice Minister added that the situation in Rivers State required extraordinary measures, noting that the National Assembly now holds the power to either uphold or overturn the president’s decision by denying it the required two-thirds majority.
‘It is Rivers State’s turn today, it can be anybody’s turn tomorrow, let the signal be clearly sent to those who want to foment trouble who want to make the practice of democracy and the enjoyment of dividends of democracy a mirage to think twice’ , Fagbemi submitted while noting that he returns with a resounding ‘no’ to a reporter’s question saying the governor and others should not have been suspended-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
