Rivers Emergency Rule: There’s Sickening Abuse Of Power ‘Everywhere’-Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday lamented that there is sickening ‘abuse of power’ and ‘abuse of office’ by those in charge of the three arms of government in the country.

The former president also submitted that what happened in Rivers State last week will paint the country in a bad light on the international scene.

He said this while commenting on the decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu last week Tuesday in respect of the political crisis and the security situation in Rivers State.

The president had declared all elected political office holders at the state level in the state in question suspended for six months.

By extension, all members of the State Executive Council were also sent packing.

This was sequel to the declaration of state of emergency in the state.

Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the president to declare a state of emergency under specific conditions.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who gave his take on the issue while giving his speech at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, also said a situation where an individual can dictate to the judiciary will make it difficult for anyone to have faith in the judicial arm of government.

He noted that ‘abuse of power’ and ‘abuse of office’ permeating the three arms of government has become a source of worry.

‘As a former president and also from the Niger Delta, when the issue of the governor of Rivers state getting suspended came up, I think people called on me, and ex-President Obasanjo to say something.

 People expected us to say something about what was happening. But traditionally, all over the world, former presidents hardly make statements about what the current presidents are doing because of the tension it could create in the country.

What is happening in Nigeria today regarding the situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb that says: ‘If somebody is sleeping, really sleeping, you can easily wake up that person. But if that person is pretending to sleep, you (will) find it difficult to wake up that person’.

The key actors in Nigeria, from the executive to the legislature, judiciary and the Senate and the judiciary… they 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 office and clear abuse of power cutting across from the three arms of government — from the executive to the parliament and the judiciary.

And I always plead with our people that whatever we do affects everybody and sometimes we do things and we think that it doesn’t affect us. Why is it that our passport is not valued that much? Why is it that Nigerians are not given the kind of treatment we’re supposed to receive at international airports? 

Sometimes, we think it’s because of ‘yahoo’ boys or 419. Not only them, yes, they are part of the problems. But whatever happens in the country, decisions that are taken by the executive arm of government, decisions that are taken by the parliament and judicial decisions affect everybody.

For example, no businessman can bring his money to invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised, where government functionaries can dictate to judges what judgment they will give. 

No man brings his money to invest in that economy because we are taking a big risk. So, whatever we do affects everybody and if we want to build a nation where children are grandchildren will live, no matter how painful it is, we must strive to do what is right.

It may cost us, but we must end the…and pay the price to insist on doing what is right.

Whether you are holding an executive office as a president, a minister, or a governor, or a civil servant, an executive, whether you are holding an office in the parliament, Senate, or House of Representatives, whether you are a judicial officer at the High Courts or appellate courts, we must strive to do what is right. If we want to build a nation that our children would be proud of.

As we engage in these discussions, let us remember that promoting social change  is not a one-time event, but a continued process’ he said.

He also emphasized the need to sustain commitment, collective action, and unwavering dedication to the values that promote good governance.

 ‘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’ he added -Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you