Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned political actors in Rivers State to avoid a situation where the crisis in the state would be used as foundation for the collapse of democracy.
In a message on his official X handle on Saturday, entitled, Rivers crisis: A note for caution, Jonathan said that the political crisis in Rivers State was a cuase for concern and should be addressed.
He called on state institutions, like the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and security agencies to avoid actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
Particularly, he asked the NJC “to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders,” saying that such occurence “will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy.”
Jonathan said that what is happening in Rivers State portends danger as it is a reminder to
the crisis in the old Western Region. The crisis in the old Western Region contributed to the fall of democracy in the First Republic.
The former president’s statement reads: “I am aware that the local government election taking place in Rivers State today, October 5, has been a subject of great interest to political actors. The political happenings in Rivers State in the past days is a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation.
“Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. This process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it affords them the opportunity to have a say on who governs them. Every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy.
“It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue. Democracy is our collective asset, its growth and progress is dependent on government’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times.
“Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
“Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.
“Let me sound a note of caution to all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance. I am calling on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy.
“The political situation in Rivers State, mirrors our past, the crisis of the Old Western Region. I, therefore, warn that Rivers should not be used as crystal that will form the block that will collapse our democracy.
“State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders must always work for public interest and promote common good such as peace, justice and equality.”
