CUPP Criticizes AGF Fagbemi Over ‘False’ Pipeline Bombing Allegations Against Fubara

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has sharply condemned the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over his accusations that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, was responsible for the recent militant attacks on pipelines in the state.

In a statement issued by High Chief Peter Ameh and Comrade Mark Adebayo, CUPP dismissed the allegations as “outrageous, unfounded, and a smear campaign aimed at shielding FCT Minister Nyesom Wike from responsibility.”

The controversy ignited following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Fagbemi, in defense of the President’s decision, accused Governor Fubara of directing militants to sabotage critical infrastructure. However, CUPP rejected these claims, accusing the Attorney-General of exhibiting bias and selective justice. The opposition coalition questioned why Fagbemi had not held Wike accountable for the violence instigated by his supporters, instead hastily blaming Fubara for an act he did not commit.

“Where was the AGF when Wike’s supporters and former LGA chairmen seized council offices, resulting in the burning and bombing of council headquarters?” CUPP questioned. “Why did the AGF fail to include Wike in the blame or condemn these actions?”

CUPP also highlighted an explosion during a protest by Wike’s supporters, in which one protester accidentally detonated a bomb, losing his hands in the process. The coalition questioned Fagbemi’s silence on this incident, asking, “What did the AGF say about that? Why was he silent?”

The opposition group further accused Wike of exacerbating tensions in Rivers State with provocative statements, particularly during a media chat in which he allegedly disparaged ethnic groups in the Niger Delta. CUPP referenced remarks made by Wike that seemed to encourage pipeline sabotage, including his controversial statement: “What nonsense is that? Who told you Ogoni people cannot break pipelines? Who told you Ikwerre people cannot blow up pipelines? Who told you Ekpeye people cannot blow up pipelines?”

CUPP argued that these remarks were meant to stoke division and justify the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The coalition also criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly for obstructing Governor Fubara’s efforts to present the state’s 2025 budget, despite a Supreme Court ruling. “The Governor made genuine efforts to present the budget,” CUPP stated, outlining how Fubara’s attempts were thwarted by lawmakers, including being locked out of the Assembly and receiving an impeachment notice instead.

Describing these actions as part of a “coordinated plot to undermine the state government and justify emergency rule,” CUPP urged President Tinubu to intervene and rein in the Attorney-General.

“We call on President Tinubu to hold his AGF accountable,” the coalition demanded. “We are also prepared to pursue legal action to challenge this assault on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, as it poses a serious threat to the future of democratic governance in the country.”