Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has condemned the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other elected officials, describing it as damaging to Nigeria’s reputation.

Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed concern over the removal of elected leaders, stating that such actions send the wrong message about Nigeria’s democracy.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he remarked.

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He acknowledged that former presidents typically avoid making public statements on political matters to prevent further tensions.

However, he said he decided to speak out due to increasing calls from Nigerians urging him to address the situation in Rivers State.

Jonathan also pointed out that a country’s ability to attract investment is closely linked to the conduct of its government institutions.

He criticized the influence of certain individuals over the judiciary, saying it weakens public confidence in the legal system.

A Nigerian Navy officer attached to the Defence Headquarters, Lt. Cynthia Akor, has been abducted by gunmen alongside two others in the Mpape area of Abuja.

The attack took place on Friday night at their residence.

According to a resident familiar with the situation, the kidnappers have reached out to the victims’ families, demanding a ₦100 million ransom for their release.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Abduct Four Female Students In Benue University

“Among the three people that were kidnapped on Friday night in the Mpape area is a DHQ official, Akor. The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding ₦100 million ransom,” the source revealed.

Efforts to obtain official comments from the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, were unsuccessful, as they had not responded to inquiries at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, stated that she would confirm the incident and provide further details.

However, she had yet to give any updates as of press time.

More to follow…….. 

The newly appointed Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has arrived in the state to formally assume office, expressing optimism about maintaining peace and stability.

Ibas landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, where he was received by top government officials and security personnel.

Upon arrival, he was accorded a guard of honour before proceeding to the Government House in Port Harcourt.

READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator

Accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, Ibas was conducted around the Government House before heading to the Executive Council Chamber.

There, he addressed Government House officials and service chiefs in a closed-door session.

Speaking briefly with journalists, the retired Vice Admiral, dressed in an all-white native attire, expressed confidence in the state’s stability and promised further engagements with stakeholders.

“I want to thank you all for what you have been doing so far. When I got in here, I decided to meet with the Head of Service and service commanders. I will have to meet them for formal briefing,” Ibas stated. “I assure you that later this evening, I will address you on some issues you want to know.”

Asked about his reception in the state, Ibas said, “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm. We just want Port Harcourt to get to where it has always been.”