Jonathan Goodluck warns Rivers crisis could damage Nigeria’s reputation

Dr Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria, has expressed concern that the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State could damage the country’s reputation.

Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, March 22, 2025, Dr Jonathan stated that he was displeased with the suspension of the Rivers State Governor and members of the House of Assembly.

He emphasised that the conduct of the country’s three arms of government plays a crucial role in shaping investor confidence and influencing foreign investments.

The former president explained that he felt compelled to address the situation following persistent calls from Nigerians urging him to speak on the developments in Rivers State, given his status as a prominent figure from the Niger Delta region.

President Bola Tinubu, during a nationwide broadcast, had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following prolonged political and security crises.

President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state legislature for an initial six-month period and appointed Vice-Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State.

However, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room immediately condemned the president’s move, calling it an unconstitutional takeover of a democratically elected government.

Similarly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have demanded the immediate reversal of the state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

But in a swift response, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, told Nigerians that the Federal Government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State was made in the best interest of both the people and the country.

The National Assembly has also approved the emergency rule declared by President Tinubu in Rivers State.

Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade