Presidency Reacts to Jonathan and Soyinka’s Comments on Rivers State Emergency Rule

Presidency Responds to Jonathan and Soyinka’s Criticism on Rivers State Emergency

The presidency has responded to the condemnation by former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka regarding the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the region……..READ MORE

Jonathan, speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja, criticized the suspension of elected officials, arguing that such actions damage Nigeria’s international reputation. He emphasized that the executive, legislature, and judiciary must work in unison to uphold the country’s image, highlighting the abuse of power in the Rivers crisis. Jonathan also voiced concern over the lack of trust in the judiciary and the troubling scenario where an individual holds the power to dictate judicial actions.

Similarly, Wole Soyinka expressed his disapproval, calling the declaration of a state of emergency an infringement on the principles of federalism enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution. He suggested the excessive power given to the president undermines federalism and advocated for a national discussion to address the issue.

In response, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, acknowledged the respected positions of Jonathan and Soyinka but stressed that their opinions were personal. Ajayi defended the president’s actions, stating that they were in line with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the president to declare a state of emergency. He emphasized that President Tinubu’s actions were necessary to maintain Nigeria’s unity and prevent chaos, citing the Supreme Court ruling that Rivers State’s government was not functioning in accordance with the constitution.

Ajayi reaffirmed that Tinubu has a duty to protect Nigeria’s corporate existence and will not allow any part of the country to descend into lawlessness.