Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, warning that the move could tarnish the country’s image.
Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed his disappointment over the removal of elected officials. “These actions by key figures in the executive and legislative branches of government cast the country in a negative light,” he said.
His comments came shortly after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
The state of emergency was declared to restore stability amid political turmoil caused by a dispute between the governor 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,” President Tinubu announced.
The president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.
“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 clarity, this declaration does not affect the judiciary, which will continue to operate according to its constitutional mandate,” Tinubu added.
Despite the turmoil, Jonathan, reflecting on the political crisis in Rivers, acknowledged that former presidents typically avoid commenting on current political matters to avoid inflaming tensions. However, he emphasised that the country’s image and the level of investment it attracts are influenced by the actions of the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
Jonathan’s comments were prompted by numerous requests from Nigerians for him to speak out as a prominent figure from the Niger Delta. He lamented the growing influence of individuals dictating judicial actions, which undermines public trust in the judiciary.
He also criticised the political instability in Rivers, asserting that the actions of the state’s leadership affect the nation’s reputation and the ability of the country to attract investments.
