Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, stating that such actions tarnish Nigeria’s democratic reputation. Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja, Jonathan expressed concern over the trend of removing elected leaders through executive and legislative maneuvers. He emphasized that democracy thrives on stability and respect for constitutional processes, and any action undermining this principle reflects poorly on Nigeria’s global image.
Jonathan specifically criticized the manner in which Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent. He warned that frequent political crises and unconstitutional interventions erode public confidence in governance and weaken democratic institutions. “Nigeria is a leading nation in Africa, and we must set the right example. If we continue to remove elected officials arbitrarily, what message are we sending to the world?” he asked.
The former president also urged political leaders to prioritize dialogue and constitutional means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to suspensions and executive takeovers. He noted that the intervention in Rivers State could deepen political tensions rather than resolve them. “Democracy is about negotiation, compromise, and allowing institutions to function independently. We cannot afford to govern by force and expect stability,” he cautioned.
Jonathan further stressed that Nigeria’s international reputation depends on its commitment to democratic norms and the rule of law. He called on President Bola Tinubu and other political actors to respect democratic principles and seek peaceful resolutions to political conflicts. “We must always choose the path of peace, dialogue, and democracy. Our actions today will shape the future of our nation,” he concluded.
