Former President Goodluck Jonathan has openly criticised the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, warning that such actions could harm Nigeria’s international reputation.
Speaking on Saturday as Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja, Jonathan expressed disappointment over the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The suspensions followed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” Jonathan said, adding that he was compelled to speak due to pressure from concerned Nigerians, particularly as a prominent figure from the Niger Delta.
Despite strong opposition from the public, both the House of Representatives and the Senate have approved the state of emergency as declared by President Tinubu.
Jonathan, who noted that former presidents often refrain from commenting on current political issues to avoid inflaming tensions, said he felt obligated to address the situation due to its potential implications for governance and national image.
He stressed that investor confidence is closely tied to the conduct of a country’s executive, legislature, and judiciary, and warned against undue interference in the judiciary, saying it erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law.
The former president also condemned the growing trend where individuals appear to dictate to the judiciary, describing it as a serious threat to democratic values.
