Former President Goodluck Jonathan has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that it could harm Nigeria’s democratic image.
Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja, Jonathan expressed his concerns over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” Jonathan said.
His remarks follow Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which has triggered a nationwide debate.
Jonathan Slams Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers Officials as Unconstitutional
President Tinubu defended his suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as justification for declaring a state of emergency.
“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution,” Tinubu stated.
He argued that the political crisis between Governor Fubara and state lawmakers required immediate intervention to restore stability in Rivers State. However, Jonathan firmly disagreed, insisting that such actions undermine democracy and set a dangerous precedent.
Jonathan Warns of Judicial Manipulation
Jonathan, a prominent Niger Delta leader, revealed that he had received numerous calls from Nigerians urging him to address the crisis. He warned that political interference in the judiciary is a major threat to democracy in Nigeria.
“It is troubling when an individual can dictate to the judiciary what to do,” Jonathan stated.
According to him, Nigeria’s international reputation and investment opportunities are directly linked to how the executive, legislature, and judiciary handle political crises.
With Jonathan slamming Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers officials, the political debate has intensified. I believe that suspending elected officials without due process violates democratic principles, while supporters claim it was necessary to prevent further instability in Rivers State.
