Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has broken his silence over the political crisis in Rivers State, expressing deep concern over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, stating that such actions tarnish Nigeria’s global reputation.
Jonathan made these remarks while speaking as the chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday.
Jonathan criticized the removal of elected officials, emphasizing that these actions by key figures in the executive and legislative branches present Nigeria in a negative light.
He noted that while former presidents typically refrain from commenting on national issues to avoid inflaming political tensions, he felt compelled to speak out due to mounting calls from Nigerians urging him to address the situation.
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The former president underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of governance institutions, warning that undue influence over the judiciary erodes public confidence in the legal system.
He also highlighted how Nigeria’s international image and investment climate are directly impacted by the conduct of its governmental arms.
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. NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, defended Tinubu’s decision, arguing that no responsible government would allow a worsening crisis to go unchecked.
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Major stated that President Tinubu, as Nigeria’s Chief Security Officer, had access to intelligence that might not be publicly available. He suggested that without intervention, the situation in Rivers could have escalated further, posing significant security threats.
He also criticized some political leaders who, instead of promoting peace, allowed the crisis to deteriorate before stepping in with belated interventions and criticisms.