Fubara’s Suspension: Tinubu’s Actions Tarnish Nigeria’s Image – Ex-President Jonathan 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that such actions could damage Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.

Speaking as Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed disappointment over the removal of elected officials, describing it as a troubling precedent.

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

His remarks came just days after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing ongoing political turmoil. As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly were suspended for six months.

Announcing the decision, Tinubu said the suspension was necessary to restore stability in the oil-rich South-South state, which had been rocked by a power struggle between the governor and state lawmakers.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu declared.

To oversee governance during this period, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate,” Tinubu stated.

However, Jonathan, weighing in on the political crisis, argued that while former presidents typically refrain from commenting on national issues to avoid heating up the polity, the seriousness of the situation in Rivers State and its implications for Nigeria’s global perception compelled him to speak out.

“The image of the country and its ability to attract investment depend heavily on the actions of the executive, legislature, and judiciary,” he noted.

Jonathan also condemned what he described as undue interference in the judiciary, warning that such actions undermine public confidence in the legal system.

Meanwhile, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu defended the emergency declaration as a necessary step to restore peace.

“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,” the President said.

“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State by reminding all political actors of their constitutional obligations, not just in Rivers but across Nigeria.”

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