Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend elected officials in Rivers State, warning that such actions could harm Nigeria’s global reputation.
Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan condemned the move, emphasizing the negative perception it creates.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he stated.
His reaction follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected state lawmakers for six months.
Tinubu justified the decision by citing the ongoing political crisis in the state, particularly the rift between the governor and members of the state assembly.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu announced.
To fill the leadership vacuum, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the interim administrator of the state.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” the president stated.
While reflecting on the unfolding crisis, Jonathan acknowledged that former presidents typically refrain from commenting on political affairs to avoid escalating tensions. However, he stressed that governance decisions directly impact a country’s reputation and ability to attract investment.
He noted that widespread calls from Nigerians urging him to weigh in on the Rivers State crisis prompted him to break his silence.
Jonathan also criticized the increasing influence of powerful individuals over the judiciary, arguing that such interference undermines public confidence in the legal system.
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu maintained that the emergency declaration was essential to restoring stability in the state. He further stated that the proclamation had been documented in the Federal Gazette and submitted to the National Assembly for approval.
“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution,” Tinubu said.
“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.”
The political turmoil in Rivers State continues to spark debate, with concerns over democratic governance and the balance of power in the country.
