Fubara, others’ suspension puts Nigeria in bad light – Jonathan
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned that suspending elected officials in Rivers State could damage Nigeria’s global reputation.
Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed concern over the ongoing political crisis, emphasising that actions taken by the executive and legislative branches reflect on the country’s image and its ability to attract investment.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he stated.
Jonathan, acknowledging that former presidents typically refrain from commenting on political matters to avoid escalating tensions, said he felt compelled to speak out due to widespread calls from Nigerians.
READ MORE:
Reps dismiss allegations of $5,000 bribe over Rivers emergency declaration
His remarks follow the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which included the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly. The move has been strongly opposed by governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who argue it is unconstitutional and threatens Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Jonathan also criticised the undue influence of individuals over the judiciary, stating that such interference erodes public confidence in the legal system.
His comments add to the growing debate over the legality and implications of the state of emergency in Rivers State.
On 13 May 2013, Jonathan declared a State of Emergency in three of the North Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe owing to the Boko Haram insurgency that was ravaging those areas. He however did not suspend elected officials.
