The Federal Government has justified its declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying no responsible government would sit back and watch the ugly situation in the state get out of hand without taking steps to salvage it.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who justified the government position, said the degeneration of the crisis which resulted in the bombing of some oil installations warranted a state of emergency in the first instance.

Fagbemi also said the destruction of the State House of Assembly by the Siminalayi Fubara government, preventing the lawmakers from discharging their responsibilities was the genesis of the crisis which warranted the presidential declaration.

The AGF took time to respond to the controversies surrounding the declaration on Wednesday while featuring in the Meet the Press Forum, usually organised by Presidential Media aides.

According to Fagbemi, the President indirectly gave Fubara a soft landing by allowing all warring parties to the crisis make amends within six months.

He said already impeachment threats were dangling before the governor.

The AGF, however, clarified that with the State of Emergency now in place, allocations meant for the state would be released to them on the request of the new sole administrator.

Details later…

State of Emergency: Tinubu did what was necessary to salvage Rivers State – AGF, Fagbemi