Jonathan: Why I won’t speak on emergency rule in Rivers

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has shied away from commenting on the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu had, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency, citing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State as the reason for the action.

Tinubu also suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Speaking at a colloquium organised by Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja on Saturday, March 22, Jonathan disclosed that many people had reached out to him for his comment on the political situation in Rivers State.

The former president said it was not the norm for former presidents to comment on policies and actions of their successors, to avoid heating up the polity.

Jonathan, who refused to make any specific comment on the development, however, went proverbial.

“The situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb which says that if somebody is really sleeping, you can easily wake up him, but if the person is pretending to sleep, it will be difficult to wake such a person up,” he said.

Jonathan, who was the chairman of the occasion, urged the country’s leadership to avoid taking actions that can negatively impact the image of Nigeria.

Jonathan also called on the leadership of the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary to always do the right thing while in office.

He equally advised them against compromising their offices and positions.

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Jonathan added: “Whatever happens in a country, the decisions taken by the executive arm of government, the parliament and the judiciary affect everybody.

“Whatever we do affects everybody; and if we must build a nation for our children and grandchildren, no matter how painful it is, we must try to do what is right.”

Jonathan stated that the assessment of Nigeria by the international community and how much investment it would be able to attract would depend on the positive actions of its leaders toward advancing democracy and good governance.

According to him, building a society where no one is oppressed is the hallmark of good leadership, leveraging the transformative power of diversity, equity and inclusion for social change.

The former president said: “I believe that it is the hallmark of good leadership and governance to be able to leverage the transformative power of diversity, equity and inclusion for social change.

“As a leader, I have seen how these values can bring people together, foster a sense of belonging and unlock the full potential of individuals and communities.

“I have also seen how the absence of these values can lead to division, inequality and social unrest.

“It is, therefore, our responsibility as leaders and change-makers to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion; one that values and respects the dignity and worth of every human being and protects the interests of all.”

The Star