Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Statesman and former Nigeria’s President, has warned Judges and the Police to be careful of the roles they are playing in the Political crisis in Rivers State to avoid triggering chaos in the State.
The former President gave this warning while reacting Jonathan said this while reacting to the crisis which surrounded the just held Local Government Election in the State.
Jonathan, in a statement Saturday, lamented the position taken by the Nigeria Police in the Council election. He, also, drew the attention of the Nigeria Judicial Council to Judges who gave conflicting judgments concerning the election.
Should Rivers State descend to chaos, Jonathan noted because of selfish political interests, Niger Delta may be consumed.
Jonathan: “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 are 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 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 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 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,” Jonathan noted.
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