Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized the handling of the political crisis in Rivers State, describing the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly as a “clear abuse of power.” His remarks came during the annual colloquium organized by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja on Saturday.

The crisis escalated on March 18 when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political and security instability. The suspension of the governor, his deputy, and state lawmakers was subsequently ratified by the National Assembly through a voice vote.

Jonathan expressed concern over the actions of the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, accusing them of misusing their authority. “As a former president and also from the Niger Delta, people called on me, President Jonathan, and ex-President Obasanjo to speak out on the suspension of the Rivers State governor,” he said. “But traditionally, former presidents globally avoid commenting on the actions of sitting presidents to prevent escalating tensions.”

He likened the situation to an Indian proverb: “If someone is truly sleeping, you can easily wake them. But if they are pretending to sleep, it becomes difficult to wake them.” Jonathan emphasized that the key actors in Nigeria’s government—executive, legislative, and judicial—know the right course of action but are deliberately avoiding it. “This is a clear abuse of office and power across all three arms of government,” he stated.

The former president warned that the decisions made by those in power would have long-term consequences and urged politicians to recognize their shared responsibility in ensuring good governance. He called for accountability and adherence to the rule of law to resolve the crisis in Rivers State.