Rivers: Jonathan Warns Fubara, Wike, Says Crisis Capable of Destroying Nigeria’s Democracy

Former president Goodluck Jonathan has warned that the current political crisis in Rivers state is capable of destroying Nigeria’s democracy if not quickly checked.

The former leader, who is also an international Peace Envoy gave the warning on Saturday in a statement he shared on his Facebook page.

According to Jonathan, the local government election in the state has become a subject of controversy between major political actors, and has heated up the oil rich state.

He warned that the crisis in the state has the potential to set the country on fire, the same way the Old Western Region crisis that led to the collapse of the First Republic.

“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,” he said.

The former president also blamed the crisis surrounding the council elections on conflicting court judgment, he called on the National Judicial Council to wade in to stop corrupt judges from destroying the nation’s nascent  democracy.

He also appaeled to security services in the country not to be partisan, but work in the collective interest of Nigerians.

He explained that people should be allowed to express their electoral right free from intimidation from any quarters, noting that when election is free and fair the citizens confidence in democracy become stronger.

Part of the statement reads:

“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.”