Jonathan issues warning over declaration of state of emergency in Rivers

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, warning that such actions could harm Nigeria’s international image.

Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed his disappointment over the removal of elected leaders following the declaration of state of emergency in the oil producing state.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he said.

His comments follow Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

The move was justified as an effort to restore stability amid ongoing political disputes between the governor and lawmakers.

Jonathan, reflecting on the political crisis, acknowledged that former presidents typically refrain from commenting on governance issues to avoid escalating tensions.

However, he emphasized that a nation’s global standing and ability to attract investment depend on the conduct of its executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.

According to him, numerous Nigerians urged him to speak on the matter as a prominent figure from the Niger Delta.

He also criticized any attempts to manipulate the judiciary, warning that such interference undermines public trust in the legal system.