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Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka have spoken out against the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, calling it an abuse of power and a threat to democracy.
Notably, President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and attacks on oil facilities. This led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers, with a sole administrator, Ibok-Ette Ibas, appointed to oversee the state.
Speaking at an event in Abuja, Jonathan expressed disappointment, stating that such actions damage Nigeria’s reputation and investment potential. He criticized all three arms of government for their role in the crisis, accusing them of engaging in clear abuses of power.
Reportedly, Soyinka in an interview argued that the state of emergency contradicts the principles of federalism.
He called for a constitutional review, emphasizing that the 1999 Constitution grants excessive power to the president, which undermines Nigeria’s pluralistic society.
The move has sparked widespread criticism from governors, legal experts, civil society groups, and labor unions, with many questioning the legality and necessity of the emergency rule.
