By Zara Maisango
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has strongly condemned the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that such actions tarnish Nigeria’s democratic image and discourage foreign investment.
Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed his disappointment over the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” Jonathan stated, making an unusual intervention in a high-stakes political crisis that has thrown Rivers into turmoil. His comments follow President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, citing the escalating political conflict between the governor and state lawmakers.
In his official statement, President Tinubu defended his decision, saying, “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.” He further announced the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator, assuring that the judicial arm would remain unaffected.
Jonathan, however, cautioned that the intervention undermines democratic principles and erodes confidence in the judiciary. “When a single individual can dictate to the judiciary, it makes it difficult for anyone to have faith in the system,” he lamented.
While former presidents traditionally avoid weighing in on political controversies, Jonathan said he was compelled to speak due to persistent calls from Nigerians, especially as a prominent son of the Niger Delta. He stressed that Nigeria’s international reputation and investment climate hinge on the credibility of its executive, legislative, and judicial processes.
The developments in Rivers signal an intensifying power struggle within the state, and Jonathan’s stance adds to the growing chorus of concerns over the federal government’s handling of the crisis. With tensions already running high, the coming weeks could determine whether this intervention restores stability or fuels further discord.