Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State could tarnish Nigeria’s international reputation.
Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed concern over the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” Jonathan said.
He emphasized that while former presidents typically avoid commenting on political matters to prevent escalating tensions, the situation in Rivers State compelled him to speak out. “The image of a country and how much investment it attracts is heavily dependent on the actions of the executive, legislature, and judiciary,” he added.
Recall, the President had, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that it was necessary to restore order amid ongoing political tensions.
“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 oversee governance during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator. “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,” he clarified.
Jonathan, however, criticized the decision, stating that it could harm Nigeria’s democratic credibility and its ability to attract foreign investments. He also condemned alleged interference in judicial processes, arguing that when individuals dictate to the judiciary, public confidence in the legal system is weakened.
“I believe that it is the hallmark of good leadership and governance to be able to leverage the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion for social change,” he said.
The former president’s comments followed criticisms from the Peoples Democratic Party governors, who described Tinubu’s actions as unconstitutional and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Jonathan stated that many Nigerians had urged him to speak on the matter, particularly as a prominent figure from the Niger Delta.
Reflecting on his presidency, he recalled how policies promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and regional balance helped bridge divides and foster national unity. “I know this because I saw how policies that promoted gender equality, youth empowerment, and regional balance during my time as president helped bridge divides and foster national unity,” he said.
While the emergency rule remains in effect, Tinubu expressed hope that the intervention would restore peace and reinforce constitutional order in Rivers State. “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,” Tinubu added.