Jonathan’s Example Shows Limits of Presidential Power – Mustapha Isa Questions Fubara’s Suspension

Public affairs analyst Mustapha Isa has weighed in on the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu, following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state. In an interview with Silverbird TV, Isa drew comparisons to a similar situation during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Isa recalled that Jonathan had declared emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states at the height of Boko Haram’s insurgency. Despite the dire security situation, Jonathan chose not to remove the elected governors of those states. According to Isa, the decision was based on legal advice from the then Attorney General of the Federation, who informed Jonathan that the Nigerian Constitution did not give him the authority to remove governors during a state of emergency.

In Isa’s words: “Former President Jonathan did the same thing in 3 states in the north, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. The same section 305. And he said he was told by his AGF that he didn’t have the power to remove any governor and he declared emergency rule in those 3 states without removing the governors.”

Isa used this precedent to raise concerns about Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Fubara, questioning whether it aligns with constitutional provisions. He suggested that Jonathan’s decision to respect the limits of presidential power reflected a commitment to democratic principles, even during crisis situations.

His remarks have sparked further debate about the legality and constitutional implications of the federal government’s actions in Rivers State.