Former President Goodluck Jonathan has spoken out against the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, warning that the move could harm Nigeria’s international standing and democratic stability.
Jonathan voiced his concerns on Saturday while chairing the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja. He criticized the recent political upheaval in Rivers, labeling the decisions as harmful to the nation’s reputation.
When key players in both the executive and legislative arms of government take actions that undermine democracy, it reflects poorly on the country,” he stated.
The former president’s remarks came after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Jonathan acknowledged that ex-presidents usually avoid commenting on active political issues to prevent inflaming tensions. However, he said the severity of the situation demanded his intervention, citing concerns over how such moves could deter foreign investment and damage Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
He also took aim at the judiciary, expressing worry about its perceived loss of independence. “When external influences guide judicial decisions, public trust in the justice system crumbles,” Jonathan warned, emphasizing the need for a strong, impartial judiciary to uphold democracy.
The former president’s comments have sparked fresh debate about the balance of power between Nigeria’s executive, legislative, and judicial arms — and whether political interventions like those in Rivers State set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democracy.
