Former President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that such actions could tarnish Nigeria’s global image and undermine democratic principles.
Speaking as the chairman of the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed disappointment over the decision, which removed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly from office for six months.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” Jonathan said, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic norms.
President Tinubu, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, attributing the move to persistent political instability. He argued that the suspension of elected officials was a necessary step to restore order amid the prolonged crisis between Governor Fubara and state lawmakers.
“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 state administrator, assuring that the judicial arm of government would remain operational.
Jonathan, who rarely comments on political affairs, said he felt compelled to speak out due to mounting calls from Nigerians, particularly as a prominent leader from the Niger Delta region.
He stressed that a nation’s reputation, and its ability to attract investments, depends heavily on how its government operates, particularly the executive, legislative, and judicial arms. He also criticized the increasing influence of individuals over judicial decisions, warning that it erodes public confidence in the legal system.
“When people lose trust in the judiciary, it becomes difficult to uphold democracy and justice,” Jonathan said.
President Tinubu had defended the move, stating that the state of emergency declaration had been officially published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for approval.
“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 and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu stated.
The decision has sparked widespread debate, with some viewing it as a decisive measure to stabilize Rivers State, while others, including Jonathan, warn that it could set a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.