The suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked widespread reactions, with former President Goodluck Jonathan expressing strong disapproval over the decision.
Jonathan condemned the action, warning that it could negatively impact Nigeria’s democratic image.
Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan voiced disappointment over the removal of elected officials, emphasizing that such decisions by key actors in government reflect poorly on the country’s democracy.
He insisted that Nigeria’s international reputation and its ability to attract foreign investment depend heavily on the credibility and actions of its executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.
Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State
President Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following ongoing political unrest between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months.
Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance and restore stability in the state.
According to Tinubu, the emergency action was necessary due to the persistent crisis in the state, which had rendered governance ineffective.
He cited constitutional breaches and the inability of the executive and legislative arms to collaborate, leading to a breakdown of law and order.
The decision was formalized in a Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative endorsement.
Jonathan’s Concerns Over Judiciary and Democracy
Jonathan, who hails from the Niger Delta region, noted that while former presidents typically refrain from commenting on active political issues, the developments in Rivers State demanded his attention due to its implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
He lamented that the judiciary was increasingly coming under the influence of external forces, making it difficult for citizens to trust the judicial process.
The former president warned that allowing such political interventions to continue could set a dangerous precedent, where duly elected officials are removed without due process.
He called for restraint and urged all stakeholders to prioritize democratic principles in resolving political disputes.
Legal and Political Justifications for the Suspension
President Tinubu, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, defended the decision, stating that the intervention was aimed at restoring governance in Rivers State.
The Supreme Court had earlier ruled on February 28, 2025, that Governor Fubara had acted unconstitutionally by preventing 27 members of the House of Assembly from participating in legislative activities.
The judgment noted that the governor had effectively collapsed the legislature by refusing to engage with lawmakers, leading to a situation where the state was operating without a functioning legislative arm.
The Supreme Court ruled that this amounted to a constitutional crisis, as governance cannot function without a legislature. Tinubu argued that the emergency declaration was the only viable option left to restore democratic order.
Escalation of Security Concerns in Rivers State
Security reports preceding the emergency declaration indicated a rise in vandalism and militant activities in the region.
According to the president, militants had attacked critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines, while the state government failed to take decisive action.
The escalating security concerns played a significant role in the federal government’s decision to intervene, with Tinubu instructing security agencies to restore order and protect citizens and national assets.
The lack of response from the state government to growing security threats further complicated matters.
Analysts believe that the federal government saw no alternative but to step in, as economic activities, especially in the oil sector, were being disrupted.
The Nigerian economy heavily relies on revenue from Rivers State’s oil production, making stability in the region a national priority.
Implications for Rivers State and Nigeria’s Democracy
The suspension of Rivers State officials has raised concerns among political analysts and civil society organizations.
Many view the decision as a test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience, as it challenges the balance of power between the federal and state governments.
The imposition of an administrator without legislative oversight has sparked debates on whether the move undermines the principles of federalism.
While Tinubu has assured that the judiciary in Rivers State will continue to function, critics argue that the suspension of elected officials could set a precedent for future executive overreach.
Jonathan’s critique reflects broader concerns that democratic institutions must be strengthened rather than weakened by political conflicts.
Opposition parties and legal experts have weighed in, questioning whether the President’s actions align with constitutional provisions.
Some legal scholars argue that invoking a state of emergency should be a last resort, and dialogue between political actors should have been exhausted before such drastic measures.
Meanwhile, pro-government supporters maintain that the intervention was necessary to prevent Rivers State from descending into deeper chaos.
The Road Ahead
The situation in Rivers State remains tense as various stakeholders assess their next steps. Governor Fubara and his supporters are expected to challenge the decision in court, while civil society organizations have called for dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully.
The National Assembly’s response to the emergency declaration will also play a crucial role in determining whether the suspension will stand or be reversed.
With the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s temporary administrator, the effectiveness of his governance will be closely monitored.
Observers are particularly keen on how he will navigate the political tensions and whether he will engage in consultations with local stakeholders to maintain stability.
As Nigeria navigates this political storm, the outcome will likely shape future governance and constitutional interpretations regarding federal interventions in state affairs.
For now, Rivers State remains under emergency rule, with hopes that the crisis will be resolved through democratic means and adherence to the rule of law.
