Jonathan & Fubara 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has strongly criticized the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, along with his deputy and the entire House of Assembly, describing it as harmful to Nigeria’s international reputation.

Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan stated, “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light.”

His reaction comes in response to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The emergency measures include the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months. Tinubu defended the decision as necessary to restore stability amid ongoing political tensions between the governor and lawmakers.

As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the sole administrator of Rivers State. The Senate and the House of Representatives approved the emergency rule on Thursday.

Jonathan, however, warned that such drastic political actions could negatively impact Nigeria’s ability to attract foreign investment. He noted that investors avoid countries where the judiciary is compromised and where political interference is rampant.

“As a former President and also from the Niger Delta, when the issue of suspending the Governor of Rivers State came up, I was called upon alongside ex-President Obasanjo to comment. Traditionally, former presidents avoid making statements about the actions of sitting presidents to prevent unnecessary tensions, but I felt compelled to speak,” Jonathan explained.

He further condemned judicial interference, saying it erodes public trust and weakens democracy.

“The judiciary knows the right thing to do, but they are pretending to be asleep. Waking up someone who is pretending to sleep is extremely difficult because they already know the right course of action but choose to ignore it,” he remarked.

Jonathan lamented the global perception of Nigeria, emphasizing that government decisions significantly affect the country’s image. He pointed out that beyond cybercrime, governmental actions also contribute to the devaluation of Nigeria’s passport and the treatment of Nigerians abroad.

“No businessman will invest in a country where judicial integrity is compromised, where government officials dictate judgments to judges. Such a nation presents a high-risk environment for investors,” Jonathan warned.

He urged public officeholders, including those in the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, to act with integrity and prioritize the long-term interests of the nation.

“If we want to build a nation our children will be proud of, we must insist on doing what is right, no matter how painful it may be,” Jonathan asserted.

He concluded by calling on all stakeholders—including civil society, the private sector, and government institutions—to work collectively in promoting good governance and ensuring that political actions serve the greater good of the Nigerian people.

As the political crisis in Rivers State unfolds, Nigerians and the international community are watching closely to see how the situation will be handled and its broader implications for democracy and governance in the country.

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