With the Rivers State Local Government election holding today, October 5, 2024, former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has warned security agencies, others against any move that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the State.
Jonathan gave the warning in a statement on Saturday while reacting to the political tension in the oil rich State.
Recall that Rivers State has been embroiled in political crisis arising from power struggle between former Governor of the State and now Minister of FCT, Abuja, Nyesom Wike and incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
However, the crisis took a new turn recently over the conduct of the ongoing Local Government elections in the State.
Citing a Federal High Court, Abuja judgment against the election, Wike and his loyalists insisted that the election must not hold as slated on Saturday, October 5. However, the Governor, Fubara and his camp, in spite of division in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, insisted that there was no stopping the conduct of the election.
However, by the time of this report, the Local Government election is on-going in the Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
Reacting to the political crisis, former President Jonathan in a statement on his official X handle, called for peace in the State.
Jonathan declared that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, “especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of sound democratic culture. This, he said, included periodic election, which stands as a noble virtue”.
He added, “Democracy is our collective asset. Its growth and progress is dependent on governments commitment to uphold the rule of law. And the pursuit of the interest of peace and justice at all times.”
The former President further warned that state institutions, especially security agencies, must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
The statement read in part: “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. They must promote common goods such as peace, justice and equality.”
source: Daily Post
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