‘It’s to avert crisis’ — Lai backs Malami on emergency rule in Anambra

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, has supported the position of Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of federation (AGF), on the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Anambra.

There has been a recent increase in attacks in Anambra, leading to killings and destruction of property.

Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Malami said declaring a state of emergency would ensure that the November 6 governorship election in the state takes place.

This position has, however, been greeted with criticism, and the Anambra government has alleged that it is a ploy to destabilise the state.

In a chat with NAN on Thursday, Mohammed said Malami’s position is an effort to avert a “constitutional crisis” in the state.

“In the last couple of weeks, IPOB had imposed sit-at-home on the citizens. They did not allow people to go to schools, markets and there are also high profile killings,” the minister said.

“The AGF said yesterday that the government will do whatever it takes to restore law and order in Anambra and the entire south-east to ensure that symbols and pillars of democracy are not tampered with.

“The forthcoming election in the state is one of the pillars of democracy. Those who are criticising the AGF on this, have they thought for one minute what will happen if the election does not take place in Anambra state on November 6?

“They should bear in mind that under our constitution, a governor cannot spend an extra day beyond the mandate of four years. What will happen will be a constitutional crisis of immense proportion.”

The minister also faulted those criticising the federal government for not
declaring a state of emergency in some troubled north-western states.

“You do not compare apples with oranges. The bandits in Katsina do not want to leave Nigeria,” he said.

“They do not want to declare their own republic and they are not saying there will be no elections. They are primarily criminals.

“It is a disingenuous argument to say that they have killed more people in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna than they killed in Anambra.”