Goodluck Jonathan Breaks Silence on Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that the action could damage Nigeria’s international reputation. Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in the South-South state, a move that saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly.

Jonathan noted that the removal of democratically elected leaders by executive fiat sends the wrong message about Nigeria’s commitment to democracy. “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he said.

President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, announced the emergency measure, citing political instability and security threats in Rivers. He accused the state governor of unconstitutional conduct, including the demolition of the State House of Assembly in December 2023 and failure to rebuild it, as well as persistent disregard for the judiciary and legislature. The President also cited a recent Supreme Court ruling which declared the Rivers government effectively non-functional due to the collapse of its legislative arm.

As part of the emergency declaration, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the interim administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months. He emphasized that the judicial arm of the state remains unaffected and will continue to function normally.

Jonathan, however, questioned the legality and democratic implications of such a suspension. While acknowledging that former presidents typically avoid commenting on ongoing political issues, he said the persistent calls from Nigerians, particularly from the Niger Delta, compelled him to speak out. He also criticised a system where individuals can allegedly influence the judiciary, warning that it erodes public confidence in democratic institutions.

The President defended his decision by pointing to security reports indicating rising threats from militant groups and alleged inaction by the state governor to address them. Tinubu insisted that his intervention was a constitutional necessity to restore governance, peace, and security in the oil-rich state.