Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan | File Image
Jonathan: 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
By Valentine Amanze
Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised alarm that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State could derail the nation’s democracy if unchecked.
Consequently, he advised institutions of the state, especially security agencies, to refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
The former president gave the advice on his X handle, @GEJonathan, on the heels of the Saturday October 5, 2024 Local Government election in Rivers State, which was heralded by the early morning explosion that rocked the Secretariate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Titled, Rivers Crisis: A Note of Caution, Jonathan warned: “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.”
Jonathan also appealed to the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that would curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders that ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail the nation’s democracy.
Also read: Rivers LG polls: Explosion rocks APC secretariat
“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,” he said.
Jonathan also described democracy as “Our collective asset, its growth and progress is dependent on government’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times.”
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