Pipeline Explosion: Tinubu Did what was required as C-in-Chief to protect nation’s economic lifeline, says AGF
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, says President Bola Tinubu acted appropriately as the President and Commander-in-Chief to ensure the protection of the lives and properties of citizens in Rivers State.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, Fagbemi said the President’s decision was timely as it was anchored on the pronouncement of the Supreme Court Judgement that was handed down on the 28th of February 2025, which the Governor refused to obey.
“It’s no longer news that the President of the nation, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, yesterday (Tuesday) took the bull by the horn to do what was required of a statesman, a patriot, and head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces,” the minister said.
“He made a very bold decision. We were all there when he made a public announcement, addressed the public, in which he chronicled all the facts from Genesis to Revelation.
Fagbemi emphasized that the President’s actions were aimed at safeguarding what provides an economic lifeline for the country.
The minister’s remarks came amid rising political tensions in Rivers State following the impeachment notice issued to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In response, militant groups, including the Niger Delta Ground Fighters and the NDDF, threatened attacks on oil installations. On Tuesday, an explosion near the Bodo-Bonny Road disrupted a major crude delivery channel to the Bonny Export Terminal.
The development has raised concerns over security in the oil-rich state, with fears that such threats could escalate tensions and disrupt economic activities.
Addressing the impact of the explosion, the minister reaffirmed the president’s position, emphasizing that Governor Fubara had not distanced himself from militant threats despite the nation’s heavy reliance on oil production.
“After the threats they (Militants) swung into action, you see or witness vandalization of oil pipelines. Don’t also forget that before now, when this government came into office.” He added.
He said that anyone who touches the pipelines is not just an enemy of Rivers State but an enemy of Nigeria as a whole.
He recalled that Nigeria was producing approximately 900,000 barrels of oil per day, but due to the president’s efforts, production increased to around 1.5 million barrels per day.
According to him, this led to significant benefits and increased federal allocation, with governors smiling at the end of the month as they experienced about a 60% increase in their allocations.
