Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized the recent suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, stating that such actions negatively impact Nigeria's international reputation. He emphasized that democratic processes and the rule of law should be upheld, warning that undermining these principles could lead to instability and erode public trust in governance.​

This criticism comes in response to President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months. The president cited political crises and recent incidents of pipeline vandalism as reasons for this decision. ​

Legal experts and organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have questioned the constitutionality of suspending elected officials under emergency rule. They argue that while the president has the authority to declare a state of emergency, this power does not extend to removing elected officials from office. ​

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai also criticized the suspensions, urging President Tinubu to restore the elected officials in Rivers State. He highlighted that such actions set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria's democratic federalism. ​

The situation has sparked widespread debate about the balance between maintaining national security and preserving democratic principles. Many are calling for adherence to constitutional provisions to ensure that Nigeria's democracy remains robust and respected both domestically and internationally.​