Former President Goodluck Jonathan delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly. Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja, Jonathan described the action as a “clear abuse of power” involving the executive, legislature, and judiciary, raising alarms about its implications for Nigeria’s democracy and global standing.
Jonathan, a Niger Delta native and seasoned statesman, warned that the suspension of elected officials undermines the democratic process and threatens the stability of Rivers State, a critical economic hub. “No businessman will invest in a country where the judiciary is manipulated,” he asserted, highlighting the potential damage to Nigeria’s international reputation and its ability to attract foreign investment. He emphasized that such actions could deter economic growth at a time when the nation desperately needs stability and trust.
The former president called for strict adherence to constitutional principles, arguing that the removal of elected leaders sets a dangerous precedent. He urged stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and legal frameworks over political maneuvers, noting that escalating tensions in Rivers could have ripple effects across the Niger Delta and beyond. “Rivers should not be the crystal that collapses our democracy,” he cautioned, echoing concerns he has raised in prior interventions.
Jonathan’s remarks underscore his ongoing role as a mediator in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape, appealing to leaders to safeguard democratic institutions and the welfare of the people over personal or partisan interests.
