Jonathan Warns Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers Could Trigger Global Backlash Against Nig

During his address as Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed his discontent with the removal of elected leaders in the state. “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative branches reflect negatively on the country,” he remarked.

Jonathan’s comments come in response to President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

Tinubu defended the move, stating that it was necessary to restore stability amid the ongoing political crisis in the state. “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President announced.

To manage the state during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator. “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” he added. “For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”

Jonathan, however, raised concerns about the political crisis in Rivers State, noting that while former presidents typically refrain from commenting on political issues to avoid escalating tensions, the current situation warranted his intervention. He underscored that Nigeria’s international image and its ability to attract investments are significantly influenced by the actions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.