Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, warning that such actions tarnish Nigeria’s global reputation.
Speaking as Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed disappointment over the removal of elected leaders.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he said.
NNPP Backs Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration
On the same day, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) threw its support behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the move was necessary to prevent further crisis.
NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, defended Tinubu’s decision, stating that as Nigeria’s Chief Security Officer, the president had access to intelligence that the public did not.
“The government in Rivers was suspended, and no one can say what would have happened by now, judging from the deepening crisis,” Major told reporters.
He criticized some political leaders for allowing tensions to escalate before intervening.
“The crisis was further compounded by some leaders who, instead of offering advice or promoting peace, allowed it to escalate before later stepping in to criticize,” he added.
Jonathan: The Judiciary Must Be Independent
Jonathan, who rarely comments on political issues to avoid stoking tensions, said he felt compelled to speak due to calls from concerned Nigerians.
He emphasized that a nation’s reputation and ability to attract investment depend on the conduct of its executive, legislature, and judiciary.
The former president also decried judicial interference, stating, “When an individual can dictate to the judiciary, it becomes difficult for anyone to have faith in the system.”
