Former President Goodluck Jonathan has spoken against the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. He believes this decision could harm Nigeria’s image.

Jonathan shared his thoughts on Saturday while speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja. He said he was disappointed that elected officials had been removed from office.

“These actions by key government officials make the country look bad,” Jonathan said.

This comes shortly after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. As part of the decision, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly were suspended for six months.

Despite opposition from many Nigerians, the House of Representatives and the Senate both approved Tinubu’s decision.

Jonathan said that while former presidents usually avoid commenting on political issues to prevent further tension, he felt the need to speak up because of concerns from many Nigerians, especially as he is from the Niger Delta.

He also criticized the influence of powerful individuals over the judiciary, saying it weakens public trust in the justice system.

Jonathan stressed that a country’s image and its ability to attract investors depend on the actions of its government. He urged leaders to be mindful of their decisions and their impact on the nation.