Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Soyinka Condemn Rivers State Leadership Suspension as a Threat to Democracy and Federalism
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Soyinka Condemn Rivers State Leadership Suspension as a Threat to Democracy and Federalism
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka have both voiced strong opposition to the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.
Jonathan characterized the move as detrimental to Nigeria’s reputation, while Soyinka argued it undermines the principles of federalism. This follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, which he attributed to a breakdown of governance stemming from conflicts between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislature, as well as assaults on oil facilities. As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly, appointing retired Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s sole administrator, citing Section 305 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for his actions.
The National Assembly ratified the emergency declaration within 48 hours, although some lawmakers expressed dissent. A wide range of stakeholders, including governors from the Peoples Democratic Party, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Labour Congress, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and various civil society organizations, have criticized the state of emergency.
Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan lamented the suspension of democratic governance in Rivers State, expressing disappointment over the removal of elected officials. He emphasized that such actions tarnish the country’s image and its investment prospects, underscoring that the conduct of the executive, legislature, and judiciary significantly influences Nigeria’s standing.
Jonathan accused key government actors of power abuse, stating, “The key actors in Nigeria from the executive through the legislature and the judiciary know the correct thing to do but are refusing to act.” He added that it is troubling for the judiciary when its operations are dictated by individuals.
Although former presidents typically refrain from commenting on contentious issues to avoid exacerbating political tensions, Jonathan felt compelled to speak out due to persistent calls from Nigerians for his perspective as a notable figure from the Niger Delta. He highlighted that during his own presidency, he imposed a state of emergency in three North-Eastern states — Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa — in May 2013 due to the Boko Haram insurgency, without suspending democratic institutions in those regions.
Meanwhile, Soyinka reiterated that the state of emergency declaration contradicts the essence of federalism.
