Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concerns that the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State could harm Nigeria’s image. His comments came during the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday.
Jonathan stated, “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative branches paint the country in a negative light.” He highlighted that the image of Nigeria and its ability to attract investments are significantly impacted by the actions of its government.
When discussing the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, Jonathan acknowledged that it’s unusual for former presidents to publicly comment on such matters to avoid causing unrest. However, he felt compelled to speak up due to numerous requests from Nigerians asking for his views on the situation.
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His reaction to the state of emergency in Rivers follows the declaration by President Bola Tinubu, who suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months. Jonathan noted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors believe these actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic principles and are unconstitutional.
Jonathan also criticized the circumstances that allow individuals to control the judiciary, suggesting that this undermines public confidence in the justice system.
As the situation unfolds in Rivers State, Jonathan’s insights reflect a growing concern among many Nigerians about the potential consequences of political decisions on the country’s overall reputation. Goodluck Jonathan’s reaction to the state of emergency in Rivers resonate with those who advocate for democratic principles and stability in governance.
