Rivers State Drama: Lawyer Fires Back At Fagbemi’s Claims Against Fubara

Lawyer Effiong Inibehe Takes a Swing at Lateef Fagbemi Over Rivers State Crisis

Naija News reports that human rights lawyer Effiong Inibehe is not holding back when it comes to Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi. Inibehe has spoken out strongly against Fagbemi’s statements surrounding the emergency declaration in Rivers State, particularly his claims about Governor Siminalayi Fubara and her role in the alleged pipeline vandalism. This is a big deal, folks, and Inibehe isn’t shy about calling out what he sees as baseless accusations.

According to Inibehe, Fagbemi's defense of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara, her deputy, and members of the House of Assembly is problematic. Inibehe insists that if there’s any evidence linking Fubara to the pipeline vandalism, it should be brought to light. He argues that Fagbemi’s insinuations without solid proof are not only misleading but also damaging to the rule of law and governance in Nigeria.

Calling Out Fagbemi’s Claims

Inibehe went on to express his disappointment with Fagbemi’s comments during an interview with News Central on Thursday. He questioned the Attorney-General’s assertion that Governor Fubara had knowledge of the pipeline vandalism committed by gangs. If there is intelligence suggesting that Fubara played a role or supported the vandals, Inibehe believes it should be made public. He criticized Fagbemi’s interpretation of Fubara’s alleged statement—“when it is time, I’ll lead from the front”—as a declaration of intent to incite violence. Inibehe argued that such a construction is a gross misrepresentation and a reckless act of mischief.

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“The comments he has made are quite disappointing, especially coming from the Attorney-General of the Federation,” Inibehe said. “For the AGF to suggest that Governor Fubara instigated the bombing of the pipeline is irresponsible. If they have intelligence reports or evidence showing that Governor Fubara had a hand in the vandalism, they should come out and say so. But to twist her words into an accusation of sabotage is the worst kind of mischief,” he added.

Tinubu’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Inibehe also pointed out the glaring hypocrisy in criticizing Governor Fubara for not condemning the vandalism while President Tinubu himself has remained silent on numerous acts of violence across the country. “How many crimes in Nigeria has Tinubu condemned or spoken about?” Inibehe asked. “Since Tinubu was sworn in, almost two years ago, how many acts of vandalism or killings has he addressed? The women and men killed in Ondo State, the protests that took place yesterday—has Tinubu said anything about these issues? If the standard is that a governor must condemn every crime in their state, shouldn’t the same standard apply to the President?”

Who’s in Charge of Security Anyway?

Inibehe reminded everyone that the President, not the governor, is the one in charge of the nation’s security agencies. He questioned whether Fubara was responsible for appointing the Inspector General of Police or overseeing the Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Defense Staff, or Chief of Army Staff. He also highlighted that pipeline protection contracts are awarded at the federal level, not by state governors.

“Is Fubara supposed to carry an AK-47 to protect the pipeline herself?” Inibehe joked. “This is a baseless statement by the Attorney General, quite unfortunately. Governors don’t have control over the security apparatus—they’re under the President. It’s absurd to suggest otherwise,” he emphasized.

Fubara’s Executive Immunity: A Legal Safeguard

Inibehe further explained that Governor Fubara enjoys executive immunity, which protects her from suspension even if she were implicated in a crime. He argued that if there’s a desire to remove this immunity, it should start with the President. “Even if we assume, for a moment, that Fubara had a hand in the pipeline vandalism, that doesn’t justify her suspension. She still has the protection of conventional immunity,” Inibehe stated.

He added, “If the Attorney General is tired of the immunity provision under Section 308, he should come out and say so. But if that’s the case, he should start with the President. Why single out a governor when the President enjoys the same legal protections? It’s a slippery slope that could undermine the principles of governance and accountability,” Inibehe concluded.

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