Former President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced his disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, stating that the move could tarnish the country’s international reputation.
Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed disappointment over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly. The decision, announced by President Tinubu, was aimed at addressing ongoing political turmoil in the state, which has been exacerbated by a conflict between the state governor and the legislative body.
Jonathan remarked that the actions taken by key figures in the executive and legislative arms of government risk portraying Nigeria in a negative light. He emphasized that such actions by the country’s leaders would have a direct impact on the nation’s image and its attractiveness to international investors.
Although Jonathan acknowledged that former presidents typically refrain from commenting on the country’s political issues to avoid escalating tensions, he felt compelled to speak out due to the persistent requests from Nigerians for his opinion, particularly as a prominent figure from the Niger Delta region.
President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State
The suspension of the elected officials followed President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision, made public on March 18, 2025, was aimed at restoring stability to the state, which has been engulfed in political strife. President Tinubu justified the move, citing ongoing conflicts between the governor and the state’s lawmakers, which had paralyzed the state’s governance.
As part of the emergency measures, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state administrator to oversee governance. The declaration also clarified that the judiciary in the state would continue its operations without interference.
Jonathan’s Concern Over Judicial Independence
Jonathan expressed his concern over the apparent interference in the judiciary, arguing that it creates an environment where trust in the judicial system is undermined. He pointed out that the rule of law should be upheld by all arms of government to preserve the integrity of democratic governance.
He also referenced the recent Supreme Court ruling, which had criticized the actions of Governor Fubara, particularly the collapse of the state legislature, and found that the governor’s actions had violated the constitutional principles of the state. The court’s judgment had called for immediate actions to restore the state’s constitutional governance, including passing an appropriation bill and addressing the ongoing legislative impasse.
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has also been compounded by security challenges. Reports of militant activity, including pipeline vandalization, have raised further concerns about the state’s stability. President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency is seen as an effort to stabilize the region and prevent further escalation of both political and security issues.
Despite his reservations about the intervention, Jonathan reiterated that the political crisis in Rivers State needed to be addressed for the greater good of the state and the country. He emphasized the importance of restoring democratic governance, peace, and order in the state, and called for a solution that is aligned with constitutional principles.
President Tinubu’s hope is that his intervention will help foster a resolution to the crisis and bring about a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
