Jonathan emphasized the importance of electoral processes in upholding democratic values, describing elections as the cornerstone of democracy because they allow citizens to choose their leaders and reinforce legitimacy.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Former President Goodluck Jonathan has drawn parallels between the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and the past crisis in Nigeria’s old Western region, calling on key stakeholders to act urgently to avert further deterioration.
In a statement released on Saturday, Jonathan called on all relevant parties, including the Judiciary and the security sector, to intervene promptly in the political situation in Rivers State, which he warned could lead to a breakdown of law and order if left unchecked.
“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,” he stated.
Jonathan emphasized the importance of electoral processes in upholding democratic values, describing elections as the cornerstone of democracy because they allow citizens to choose their leaders and reinforce legitimacy.
“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 in 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 a sound democratic culture of which periodic elections stand as a noble virtue,” he added.
He warned that as Rivers State serves as the gateway to the Niger Delta region, any threat to its peace could have far-reaching security implications for the entire region. He urged all political actors to exercise caution and patriotism in their pursuits.
“Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta, and a 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,” he warned.
The former president also called on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to curb the proliferation of conflicting court orders, which he said could undermine the integrity of the judiciary and democracy at large.
“I am calling on the National Judicial Commission to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgments, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy,” he noted.
Jonathan concluded by reiterating the need for state institutions, particularly the police and judiciary, to prioritize the public interest and work towards ensuring peace, justice, and equality in their dealings.
“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 a 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 the public interest and promote the common good, such as peace, justice, and equality,” he said.
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