The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has described the Supreme Court judgment affirming the president’s power to declare a state of emergency as a victory for Nigerians and a boost for the country’s democratic development.
The Supreme Court judgment had on Monday dismissed a filed by Adamawa State and 10 other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led states, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March.
In a split decision of six to one, the apex court upheld the President’s constitutional authority under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to proclaim a state of emergency and take extraordinary measures to restore order.
Reacting to the verdict in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Communication and Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Attorney-General said it represents a further consolidation of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.
Fagbemi said the judgment has removed lingering doubts over the constitutionality of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent endorsement by the National Assembly.
“I welcome the judgment of the Supreme Court affirming the power granted the President by the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in any state in Nigeria whenever the situation arises,” Fagbemi said.
According to him, the decision has strengthened Nigeria’s jurisprudence and reinforced constitutional safeguards designed to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The landmark judgment has further strengthened our jurisprudence and added another vital ingredient to consolidate our democracy,” he stated.
“I congratulate all parties in the matter as it is a win for our fledgling democracy and has helped to erase any doubt anyone might have had about the action of the President and the endorsement by the National Assembly,” he added.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to democratic governance and adherence to the rule of law.
“Nigeria is for all of us, and I assure Nigerians of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to uphold the tenets of democracy and the rule of law at all times,” the Attorney-General said.
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