Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka have both criticized the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.

Jonathan expressed that this action could tarnish Nigeria’s reputation, while Soyinka argued that it undermines the principles of federalism.

On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in governance due to ongoing conflicts between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers, as well as attacks on oil facilities.

As part of this emergency declaration, Tinubu suspended:

Governor Fubara
Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu
Members of the state House of Assembly

He appointed Ibok-Ette Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, as the state’s sole administrator. This decision was supported by Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

Just 48 hours after the emergency was declared, the National Assembly approved the rule, although some lawmakers voiced their opposition.

Many stakeholders, including governors from the Peoples Democratic Party, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Labour Congress, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and various civil society organizations, have condemned the emergency rule.

At the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed his disappointment over the removal of elected officials, emphasizing the importance of maintaining democratic governance in Rivers State.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” Jonathan, who was the chairman of the programme, said.

The former president said that the country’s image and ability to attract investors depends on how well the government works. He blamed the executive, legislature, and judiciary for the problems in Rivers state, saying they abused their power.

“The key actors in Nigeria from the executive to the legislature and the judiciary know the correct thing to do but they are refusing to do it; they are pretending to sleep, and waking such a person is extremely difficult because the person knows the right thing.

“A clear abuse of offices, clear abuse of power, clear abuse of privileges, cutting across the three arms of government — from the executive through the parliament and to the judiciary,” Jonathan said.

Former President Jonathan defended his declaration of a state of emergency in three North-East states, saying it was necessary due to the Boko Haram insurgency.

He acknowledged that it was unusual for former presidents to comment on such issues, but felt compelled to speak out due to persistent calls from Nigerians.

He also criticized the judiciary, stating that it was difficult to have faith in it when an individual dictated its actions. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka disagreed with Jonathan’s actions, arguing that the declaration betrayed federalism and that the 1999 constitution granted too much power to the president. He called for a national discussion on amending the constitution to ensure a genuine federal system.

He said, “If it is constitutionally right, then I think it is about time we sat down and amended the constitution to make sure that it operates as a genuine federal entity.

“The government is over-centralised. The debate will go on whether this (state of emergency) was, in the first place, a wise decision but in terms of fundamental principles, I believe that this is against the federal spirit of association.

“I find that the constitution has put too much power in the hands of the president. The system we are operating right now is not the best for a pluralistic society like ours. That is a fundamental principle I have always held.”

He stated that Nigeria must hold a national conference to change the country’s foundation, adding, “The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle and, for that reason, some of us have called again and again for a national conference to really accord ourselves an authentic people’s constitution. Right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative.”

Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, responded by stating that while Soyinka and Jonathan are respected statesmen, their opinions are personal.

Wole Soyinka 

He said, “Professor Wole Soyinka and former President Goodluck Jonathan are respected statesmen. Like many Nigerians that have offered varied opinions on the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the two distinguished Nigerians have also offered their own opinions too.

“President Tinubu has a country to govern, and he has exercised his power under the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“President Tinubu has a duty to preserve the corporate existence of Nigeria. He won’t allow any part of the country or state to descend into chaos.

“The Supreme Court ruled that there is no functioning government in Rivers State known to the constitution of Nigeria. President Tinubu won’t fail in his sacred duty to protect and preserve the country.”

Aisha Yesufu, a co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, and other prominent human rights activists demanded the reversal of the emergency rule. They criticized the President’s action, calling it illegal and a violation of the constitution.

The activists, under the aegis of the Citizens and Civil Society Organisations, held a press conference in Abuja on Saturday to condemn the National Assembly’s approval of the emergency rule. They accused the Assembly of failing the people.

Yesufu expressed concern, warning that allowing the President and the National Assembly to impose the emergency rule would set a dangerous precedent.

She said, “I am sure every Nigerian feels sadness at what is happening currently in our country. The democracy that we have today—a lot of people died for it. It is only fair that we safeguard our democracy and ensure that the rule of law remains sacrosanct and that processes are followed in everything being done.

“We have to understand that if we do not fix this polity and say it’s none of our business, the things happening in Nigeria today will continue to happen, where a few citizens who are supposedly elected into office to serve the people begin to serve only their self-interest.

“Fellow citizens, we must understand that under a democracy, the constitution is sacrosanct, and it must be followed to the letter. This is not the democracy that a lot of people fought for, and some died for us to have. This constitutional rascality has to stop.”

Anthony Ubani, Executive Director of FixPolitics, representing 300 other coalitions, denounced the state of emergency. He declared it a betrayal of the democratic ideals cherished by every true Nigerian. Ubani vowed to challenge the president’s actions through a series of legal battles in the coming days.

“We demand an immediate reversal of the unconstitutional removal of the governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly members in Rivers State. The president does not have the power to arbitrarily dismiss elected state officials. His actions are dictatorial and illegal and must be resisted by all Nigerians.

“We call on members of the National Assembly who were not part of Thursday’s charade to speak up against the violation of the constitution. The National Assembly is the highest law-making body in the country, and they must not be allowed to get away with choosing which of Nigeria’s laws they want to obey.

“There will be several lawsuits in the coming days, and we require the judiciary to review each case on its merit and not rely on technicalities to dismiss the cases. History has shown that when unconstitutional acts like this go unchallenged, they become the norm. If Rivers is silenced today, no state is safe tomorrow,” he stated.

Rights Groups Mobilization

The Take-It-Back Movement, a human rights organization, has announced plans for a nationwide protest on April 7 to oppose the emergency rule in Rivers State.

The group’s National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, shared this information with Sunday PUNCH. He criticized President Tinubu’s administration, claiming it is pushing Nigeria towards authoritarianism. Juwon emphasized that the President’s actions in Rivers State, such as suspending elected officials, are setting the stage for a potential military dictatorship.

“Our organisation has been at the forefront of resisting all anti-people policies of Tinubu, and we will keep doing that. We are planning a nationwide protest for April 7, targeted directly against Tinubu’s misgovernance and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

“We are going to use the protest to address the fact that Tinubu’s government is leading the country towards dictatorship, not just with the development in Rivers State and what he did in Lagos State, but how his regime has handled the entire country, silencing the voice of opposition,” he stated.

The recent emergency rule in Rivers State has sparked widespread criticism and calls for action.

Several groups, including the Youth Rights Campaign and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, have condemned the move as an attack on democracy and a silencing of opposition voices. They are concerned that this is part of a larger pattern of Tinubu’s government moving towards a dictatorship.

The Democratic Socialist Movement has called for a mass protest against the emergency rule, urging the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to lead the effort. They believe the emergency rule is a direct attack on the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State.

He said, “They should also mobilise for mass action to condemn the unconstitutional pronouncement by President Tinubu and the approval by the National Assembly.

“All civil society organisations should come together to organise action to defend democracy. Fubara was a product of the overbearing character of Nyesom Wike.

“One person can’t take away the rights of the people of Rivers State. This is like a coup on the people of the state. We condemn this. We support every action to defend democratic rights.”

Adewale urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to participate in the mass action protesting the sabotage of democratic rights.

He said, “All civil society organisations should come together to organise action to defend democracy. One person can’t take away the rights of the people of Rivers State. This is like a coup on the people of the state. We condemn this. We support every action to defend democratic rights.”

Mohammed Ali ndume , the Chief Whip of the Senate, expressed that corruption in Nigerian politics is driven by the people and should not lead to severe penalties.

“Politicians’ corruption is small; we share with the people after stealing,” said Ndume.

He made these remarks during a discussion on the use of the death penalty as a deterrent for individuals found with drugs.

Ndume acknowledged on Channels Television that politicians often engage in corruption by “stealing and sharing with the people.”

He argued that when politicians’ corruption is compared to others, it is a “small one’

According to him, “If you compare us, politicians, to all the corruption, it is very small. Our corruption is people-driven. If you steal it, you will go and share it with the people. If you don’t, you are not coming back for four years. There is no reason for stealing.

“I have been to the National Assembly, I can’t say because we are on TV now and not telling the truth. If the death penalty is supposed to be included in corruption, I will support it but you don’t go and kill someone that stole one million or one billion, no. But someone who steals one trillion of government money should be killed.”

The senator said he supports death punishment for drug dealers.

“The death penalty is the best deterrent for those being caught for drugs. If you do drugs, you are killing people.

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“In fact, that means you have destroyed the lives of so many people and killed so many people,” he added.

The Leader of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current economic challenges.

Peter Obi Expresses Concern Over Nigeria’s Economy, Urges Unity to Address Hardship

The ex-governor of Anambra State shared this on Monday on his verified X Platform, previously known as Twitter.

He contrasted the present economic situation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s administration with the past administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Musa Yaradua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari.

“The impressive growth trajectory, unfortunately, was not sustained by the then-new government and our GDP growth collapsed to 2.79% in 2015 and I have always believed that politics should be about service to the people and the betterment of society.

“In the face of all these challenges, we the leaders should commit to inclusive and sustainable growth to end the hardship which has continued to burden our fellow Nigerians.

“Only through that can we achieve a peaceful and secure society. A New Nigeria based on better economic and patriotic thinking is very possible”.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has refuted allegations that his appointment as Governor of Rivers State was orchestrated by certain political leaders within the state.

Nobody made me Rivers governor, I fought my way to power – Wike

Wike asserted that despite receiving political backing from some figures, his ascent to power was primarily due to his own efforts. He distinguished his political trajectory from that of the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom he claimed he was instrumental in securing the governorship of Rivers State.

Old videos have been circulating on social media featuring Patience Jonathan, the former First Lady of Nigeria, presenting Wike to former governor Peter Odili and several political leaders in Rivers State as the favored successor to then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

These videos have resurfaced during a heated exchange between Wike and Odili, stemming from the ongoing political crisis in the state, which has put the FCT Minister at odds with his successor, Fubara.

Governor Wike was furious when Odili publicly endorsed Governor Fubara. Wike felt Odili should have stayed neutral and acted as a unifying figure, offering guidance during the state’s political turmoil instead of taking sides.

Wike said, “You didn’t give me. To be governor of Rivers State 2014, I fought for the party structure. I took it from Magnus Abe, yes, I did.

“So you can’t say you made me Governor. Nobody, I don’t want to make comments about certain people, I won’t do that.

“You Magnus, all of you, Victor Giadom, I fought you people, took the party structure.

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“So, nobody can say I brought Wike, I dashed you. Nobody can say that. But it would be unfair to me, to Almighty God, for me to say nobody supported me.

“No you can’t say that. You need people’s support, but not to say you gave me.”

The former president, Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife, Patience, were key players in the rise of Nyesom Wike as governor. Their support for Wike stemmed from a rift with the then-governor, Rotimi Amaechi. This rift led to a power struggle, with Jonathan and his wife backing Wike, who had previously served as Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and later as Minister of State for Education under Jonathan.

This shift in alliances ultimately paved the way for Wike’s victory in the 2015 gubernatorial election.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Cabinet Evaluation

Tinubu’s Pending Review of Ministers’ Performance Sparks Anxiety

– President Tinubu is set to review his cabinet members’ performance evaluations this week as the administration nears its one-year anniversary.

– The ministers will have completed nine months in office by tomorrow, having been sworn in on August 21, 2023.

– Special advisers and heads of key departments and agencies will also undergo performance evaluations.
– The initial 48 ministers have reduced to 46 due to resignations and suspensions.

– Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, resigned on December 20, while Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu, has been suspended since March 6.

– The assessment, conducted by Hajiya Hadiza Bala-Usman, focuses on various priority areas outlined during a retreat after the inauguration.

– Criteria for evaluation include areas such as economic reform, national security, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, education, health, diversification, and governance.

At the commencement of the evaluation process, Hajiya Bala-Usman said:

“For each of these priority areas, we agreed on specific deliverables and developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which formed the basis for the Performance Bond which all ministers and permanent secretaries signed with the President in November 2023.

“These parameters will guide the Quarterly Assessments and Annual Scorecards, which the CDCU is mandated to present to the President.”

A top source, who spoke in confidence to The Nation, said:

“The President may receive the first year performance evaluation of the ministers, advisers and even strategic departments/agencies.

“The CDCU has subjected the ministers and others to a quarterly assessment.

“From the outset, the ministers signed a performance bond. And the bond will determine their fate.

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“There was also a Citizens’ Delivery Tracker App used to monitor the performance of the ministers and their portfolios. Nigerians’ verdict may also count too.

“But whatever is the eventual decision on the ministers, it is the prerogative of the President.”

The source revealed that the ministers’ ratings will align with the President’s eight priority areas, with the relevant key indicators already communicated to them.