‘Events in Rivers State Represent Abuse of Power’ – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan stated that recent events in Rivers State represent an abuse of power that affects all three branches of government.

While serving as the chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, March 22, Jonathan expressed concern over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials in Rivers State, noting that such actions tarnish the country’s image.

“These actions by key figures in the executive and legislative branches paint the country in a negative light,” he remarked.

Jonathan mentioned that he had refrained from discussing political matters since leaving office to avoid escalating tensions, but felt compelled to speak up due to numerous requests from concerned Nigerians. He warned that the ability of a country to attract investment depends on the actions of its executive, legislature, and judiciary.

“What is happening in Rivers State today reminds me of an Indian proverb: ‘If someone is sound asleep, you can easily wake them up. But if that person is pretending to sleep, it is very difficult to rouse them.’

“The key players in Nigeria—from the executive to the legislature and judiciary—know what the right course of action is. However, they are choosing to ignore it.”

Jonathan further elaborated, “They are pretending to sleep, and waking someone who is doing so is exceedingly difficult because that person is aware of the right thing to do. This is a clear abuse of office and power that spans all three branches of government—from the executive to the legislature and the judiciary.”

He criticized the current situation in which an individual can sway the judiciary, emphasizing that it undermines public trust in the justice system.