Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has spoken out against the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, warning that such actions could damage Nigeria’s reputation.
Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Goodluck Jonathan expressed his disappointment over the removal of elected leaders.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he stated.
His remarks came just days after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
Tinubu defended the decision, saying it was necessary to stabilize the state amid ongoing political tensions between the governor and lawmakers.
To oversee governance in the state, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as administrator, clarifying that the judiciary would continue functioning as usual.
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu emphasized that the emergency order was legally justified.
He also confirmed that the decision had been published in the Federal Gazette and submitted to the National Assembly.
Jonathan acknowledged that former presidents usually refrain from commenting on political matters to avoid increasing tensions, but he felt compelled to speak out due to persistent appeals from Nigerians, particularly as a Niger Delta leader.
He criticized the growing influence of political figures over the judiciary, arguing that such interference erodes public trust in the legal system.
Goodluck Jonathan further stressed that Nigeria’s ability to attract investment and maintain a positive global standing depends on the conduct of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, assumed office at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
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