Jonathan condemns declaration of SoE on Rivers, Says it tarnishes Nigeria’s image

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, stating that the development damages Nigeria’s reputation.

Speaking as the Chairman of the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed disappointment over the removal of elected officials, emphasizing that such actions undermine the country’s democratic image.

Meanwhile, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has backed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The party’s National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, justified the move, saying that no responsible government would allow a crisis to escalate without intervention. He stressed that the president, as Nigeria’s Chief Security Officer, had access to intelligence beyond public knowledge and acted accordingly.

Jonathan, however, warned that actions taken by the executive, legislature, and judiciary significantly impact Nigeria’s global perception and investment prospects.

He also condemned undue influence over the judiciary, arguing that it erodes public trust in the legal system.