Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed grave concerns about the political unrest unfolding in Rivers State over the conduct of the local government election.
In a statement issued on Saturday, he drew parallels to Nigeria’s past, comparing the situation in the state to the political crisis of the Old Western Region, which contributed to significant upheavals in the country’s history.
The former president warned that the ongoing political crisis in the state is, therefore, a cause for alarm, urging key stakeholders to protect democracy and maintain peace.
Jonathan emphasized the vital role that elections play in strengthening democratic processes, noting that every election, whether at the national or local level, is significant in reaffirming citizens’ faith in their government.
“Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy,” Jonathan said, stressing that the electoral process allows citizens to voice their preferences in governance.
However, the political turmoil in Rivers State over the past few days has raised concerns about the stability of the region, particularly given its strategic location as the gateway to the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Jonathan cautioned that any threat to peace in Rivers could have far-reaching security implications for the entire Niger Delta region.
He urged political actors in the state to exercise restraint and patriotism in their pursuit of political ambitions. “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,” he added.
In a pointed message to state institutions, Jonathan called on security agencies, particularly the police, to avoid actions that could trigger violence or a breakdown of law and order.
He also raised concerns about the role of the judiciary in the escalating crisis, calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address the issue of conflicting court orders that could undermine the democratic process. “If not checked, this will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy,” Jonathan warned.
He urged that the mistakes of the past not be repeated, stressing that Rivers State must not become a flashpoint that jeopardizes the nation’s democratic gains.
The former president called for all state institutions, particularly the police and judiciary, to prioritize the public interest and work towards peace, justice, and equality in their actions
The statement he posted on his Facebook page read in full:
“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 governments 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 the 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.”
