The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has described the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country as a victory for Nigerians and a boost for democracy.
Fagbemi spoke on Monday after the apex court upheld the legality of the emergency rule declared in Rivers State in March by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The court also dismissed challenges to the suspension of elected officials arising from the declaration.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the AGF said the judgment had strengthened Nigeria’s constitutional jurisprudence and resolved doubts surrounding the President’s actions and their approval by the National Assembly.
“I welcome the judgment of the Supreme Court affirming the power granted to the President by the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in any state in Nigeria whenever the situation arises,” Fagbemi said.
He added that the ruling was “a win for all Nigerians” and a significant step toward consolidating the country’s democratic system.
The Supreme Court decision followed a suit filed by Adamawa State and ten other states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which challenged the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Fagbemi congratulated all parties involved in the case, noting that the judgment had removed uncertainty over the legality of the President’s action.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the ruling, warning that it could undermine Nigeria’s federal structure and pave the way for what it described as “constitutional tyranny.” The party cautioned that the decision could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
