Rivers Matters: Fubara's Suspension, Lawmakers' Actions Damage Nigeria's Reputation - Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan criticized the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, stating it damages Nigeria's international reputation. Jonathan made these comments while serving as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday.

He expressed disappointment over the removal of the elected officials. Meanwhile, on the same day, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) voiced support for President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, told reporters that no responsible government would allow a situation to deteriorate before taking decisive action to protect its citizens' best interests. As the Chief Security Officer of Nigeria, President Tinubu was justified in his decision, according to the NNPP.

“The information available to him as president from intelligence sources may not be in the public purview.

“The government in Rivers was suspended and no one can actually say what would have happened by now, judging from the deepening crisis.

“The crisis was further compounded by some leaders who, instead of offering advice or promoting peace during the turmoil, allowed it to escalate before later stepping in to criticize.”

But for President Jonathan, “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said it was unusual for ex-presidents to comment on issues, as they typically avoid inflaming the political climate. However, Jonathan stated that he felt compelled to speak out after many Nigerians urged him to address the events unfolding in Rivers State.

Jonathan added that a country's image and investment attractiveness depend heavily on the actions of its executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He criticized the situation where an individual can dictate to the judiciary, arguing that it undermines public faith in the judicial system.

In his words: “What is happening in Nigeria today regarding the situation in Rivers state is like an Indian proverb that says: ‘If somebody is sleeping, really sleeping, you can easily wake up that person. But if that person is pretending to sleep, you find it difficult to wake up that person’.

“The key actors in Nigeria, from the executive to the legislature, judiciary and the Senate and the judiciary… they know the correct thing to do. But they are refusing to do it.

“They are pretending to sleep and waking such a person is extremely difficult because the person knows the right thing.

“A clear abuse of office and clear abuse of power cutting across from the three arms of government — from the executive to the parliament and the judiciary.”