Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, warning that the move tarnishes Nigeria’s democratic image.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium, Jonathan expressed disappointment over the political crisis in the oil-rich state and the decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers 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 said, stressing that Nigeria’s global reputation and investment climate are influenced by the government’s commitment to democratic principles.
President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, justified his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, citing political instability and security threats.
He announced the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.
“The Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu declared.
According to the president, the crisis in Rivers has crippled governance, particularly since the governor ordered the demolition of the House of Assembly complex in December 2023, an action that had yet to be rectified.
Tinubu accused Fubara of disregarding constitutional provisions and undermining democratic structures.
“The Supreme Court ruled that a government cannot exist without all three arms functioning.
The governor, by collapsing the legislature, has sought to govern unilaterally, which is unacceptable,” Tinubu stated.
He further cited intelligence reports linking militants to acts of vandalism, accusing the Rivers government of inaction.
“Security reports indicate pipeline vandalism, yet the governor has taken no action. We cannot stand by and allow this grave situation to persist,” he added.
Despite Tinubu’s justification, Jonathan decried what he described as an erosion of democratic values, arguing that the judiciary was being influenced by political actors.
“We cannot have a situation where individuals dictate to the judiciary. If the judiciary loses its independence, citizens will lose faith in the system,” Jonathan said.
He emphasized that former presidents traditionally avoid commenting on ongoing political disputes, but the situation in Rivers State warranted an exception.
“Many Nigerians have called on me to speak as a prominent son of the Niger Delta. The image of our country is at stake,” he said.
The emergency declaration has sparked national debate, with critics arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent.
Civil society organizations and opposition parties have accused the federal government of overreach, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s federal structure.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and lawmakers have responded to allegations of financial inducement, denying claims that legislators received bribes to endorse the emergency rule.
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