Ex-President Jonathan Speaks On Emergency Rule In Rivers, Says Suspension Of Fubara, Lawmakers Paints Nigeria In Bad Light

Former president Goodluck Jonathan has berated the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, saying that such move could dent the country’s image.

While speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan said he was disappointed that elected officials were removed by state of emergency proclamation.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he said.

His stance comes days after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich South-South region.

In his proclamation, the President suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

Tinubu said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

However, Jonathan while sharing thoughts about the political crisis in Rivers, said it is not the norm for former presidents to comment on issues in the polity so as not to heat up the polity.

He said his comment became necessary after calls from many Nigerians, urging him to speak on the events in Rivers State.

He added that the image of the country and how much investments a country attracts is dependent on the actions of the executive, legislature and judiciary of that country.

Goodluck Jonathan further faulted the situation where an individual can dictate to the judiciary, noting that it makes it difficult for anyone to have faith in the judiciary.