Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has cautioned state governments against taking actions that could destabilize the country. He specifically called out Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for allegedly influencing militants to attack oil pipelines.

Fagbemi, speaking on Wednesday, March 19, defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis. He claimed that even if Governor Fubara did not directly order the pipeline attacks, his failure to condemn the militants made him responsible.

“The governor was seen communicating with militants, hinting that he would inform them when to act. Even if this was misunderstood, did he distance himself from them? No. A week later, pipelines were vandalized,” Fagbemi stated.

Fagbemi stressed that damaging oil pipelines is not just a problem for Rivers State but for the entire country. He explained that Nigeria’s economy depends heavily on oil, and any disruption to the sector is a serious threat to national security.

He also said that Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration followed a Supreme Court judgment, giving it legal backing. The move, he added, was necessary to protect key national assets and restore order in Rivers State.

Fagbemi noted that the National Assembly has the final say on whether the state of emergency remains. Lawmakers can either support or reject the decision by a two-thirds majority vote.

His warning serves as a message to all state governments that the federal government is prepared to take strong action against any activities that threaten national stability.