Former president Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that such actions could damage Nigeria’s international reputation. Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan criticised the political crisis unfolding in the state.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he stated. He emphasised that while former presidents typically refrain from commenting on political issues to avoid escalating tensions, the country’s image and ability to attract investments are directly linked to the conduct of its executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Jonathan’s remarks follow President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly. The move has been widely criticised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors as unconstitutional.

The former president also condemned undue interference in the judiciary, arguing that allowing individuals to manipulate judicial processes undermines public trust in the legal system. His statement reflects growing concerns about Nigeria’s democratic stability amid political tensions in Rivers State.