Edo Gov. tackles Jonathan over comment on Tinubu’s emergency rule, says he was indecisive as president
Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo has slammed ex-President Goodluck Jonathan over his criticism of the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State, including the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Jonathan said the president abused power in that decision, adding: “The executive, legislature and the judiciary know the correct thing to do but they are refusing to do it.”
But Okpebholo, speaking during the kick-off of the 125-kilometre Benin-Auchi road yesterday, described ex-President Jonathan as not decisive when he was President, hence, his criticism of the proactive step by President Tinubu.
He said the declaration of emergency had saved Nigeria’s economy.
The governor said: “The man criticising President Tinubu did not take a similar step when he heard that they were going to kidnap the Chibok girls in 2014. It is better for a President to be proactive. The single decision taken by President Tinubu saved the economy of Nigeria.”
The Edo Governor added: “What President Tinubu did in Rivers State is a welcome development, to ensure peace in the Niger Delta.
“The decision he took to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State is in the best interest of Nigerians.
“When crude oil pipelines in Rivers State were being blown by militants, what did Nigerians expect Mr. President to do on the nation’s economic sustenance?”
Continuing, Okpebholo said: “When Jonathan was Nigeria’s President, the country’s total annual budget was not more than N1.6 trillion, but the N1.6 trillion is what we are sharing monthly (from the Federation Account) in this nation today. That is a man that has vision.”
