JUST IN: Jonathan Cautions Judiciary, Police, Warns Rivers Crisis May Collapse Nigeria

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has cautioned the Judiciary and the Police over their roles in the crisis in Rivers State, warning that the political crisis may collapse Nigeria like the collapse of the Old Western Region.

Jonathan stated this on Saturday in a statement he signed saying the unfolding political crisis is a source of concern.

Jonathan said he’s “aware that the local government election taking place in Rivers State today, October 5, has been a subject of great interest to political actors.”

He stated that 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, he said, 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 allows them to have a say on who governs them.”

The former president said every election is significant, whether at national or subnational levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy.

He stressed that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of a sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue.

He emphasised that “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.”

There’s heightened anxiety and fear over the conduct of the LG elections which are underway following warning and opposition from the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates who control the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The state governor, Sim Fubara vowed to hold the election even though the PDP, of which he is a member, and the All Progressives Congress are not participating.

A video of the election in one of the polling units sent to THE WHISTLER showed men in police uniforms storming a unit and carting away election materials.

They dispersed voters and election officials after shooting in the air.

The political struggles between Fubara and Wike have sent fears that there could be a breakdown of law and order which could impact Nigeria’s revenue, as Rivers is one the major producers of crude oil.

Jonathan emphasised that 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,” Jonathan warned.

He also “called 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 crystals 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 said.