Nigeria, March 19 -- The federal government has defended President Bola Tinubu's decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, which included suspending Governor Siminalayi and otherelected officials of the state for six months.

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said this on Wednesday, while briefing State House correspondents at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr Fagbemi argued that the intervention was necessary to prevent a total breakdown of law and order.

"We have about two years into the administration in the state. Now, when do you think he (President Tinubu) should have come in? Is it when everything has been destroyed? I don't think so," Mr Fagbemi said.

"I t...