Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced his strong disapproval of the recent suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that such actions could significantly damage Nigeria’s democratic institutions and global reputation.
Jonathan’s statement comes in response to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025, citing concerns over escalating political tensions and security instability.
As part of this decision, the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly was announced, a move that has sparked intense debate among political analysts, civil rights groups, and citizens alike.
The National Assembly swiftly ratified the president’s directive with a voice vote, formalizing the suspensions and solidifying the emergency rule.
Jonathan, while speaking at the annual colloquium organized by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja, expressed deep concern over what he described as the growing misuse of political authority by all three branches of government.
According to the former president, the suspension of Fubara and his administration represents a blatant overreach of executive power and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“As a former president and also as someone from the Niger Delta, when the issue of suspending the governor of Rivers State surfaced, many concerned individuals called on me, President Obasanjo, and other former leaders to comment on the situation,” Jonathan stated.
“People expected us to intervene and make a public statement about what was unfolding. However, traditionally, former presidents across the world refrain from making direct statements about the decisions of current leaders to avoid escalating national tensions.”
Drawing from an old Indian proverb, Jonathan illustrated his perspective on the political climate in Nigeria, saying:
“There’s a saying that if someone is genuinely asleep, you can easily wake them up. But if they are only pretending to sleep, waking them up becomes extremely difficult. The key actors in Nigeria today—whether in the executive, the legislature, or the judiciary—are fully aware of what is right. Yet, they deliberately refuse to do the right thing.”
“What we are witnessing is a clear abuse of office and a misuse of power across all three arms of government—the executive, the parliament, and even the judiciary. This level of political manipulation does not bode well for our democracy.”
Jonathan went on to stress that the decisions made by those currently in power will have long-lasting effects on the country’s stability and democratic integrity. He urged politicians and officeholders to recognize their shared responsibility in upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law in governance.
“Nigeria’s democratic progress depends on the actions of those in power. It is crucial for leaders to act with wisdom and integrity rather than resorting to political maneuvers that undermine public trust,” he added.