Suspension of elected officials in Rivers paints Nigeria in negative light — Jonathan

While speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan said he was disappointed that elected officials had been removed.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he said.

His stance comes days after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich South-South region, and then suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

He said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President declared.

The president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” he said.