…Cautions political actors to watch the pursuit of their ambitions
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that the political situation in Rivers State, clearly mirrors the nation’s past such as the crisis of the Old Western Region.
He therefore warned that Rivers State should not be used as crystal that will form the block that will collapse the nation’s democracy.
Jonathan also cautioned political actors in Rivers Stat not to allow their personal ambitions to override the overall interest of the State and its citizens.
This was as he tasked the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to do everything within its power to curb the incessant issuance of controversial orders by courts particularly by those of coordinate jurisdiction.
Jonathan noted that recent political happenings in the state have been of serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy.
The former President said that Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region
He said that every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy, stressing that 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.
The former President who stated these on Saturday in a post on his verified X handle @GEJonathan as local government election in Rivers were being conducted, said that 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.
Jonathan stressed that elections are the cornerstone of democracy since they are the primary source of legitimacy, adding that the process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it affords them the opportunity to have a say on who governs them.
The former president in the post titled; “RIVERS CRISIS: A NOTE OF CAUTION”, said; “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.
“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.
“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.
“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,” he said.
