LG Polls: Don’t Throw Rivers Into Chaos, Jonathan Warns Police, Judges

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has warned police and judges against putting Rivers State into chaos in a bid to please politicians.

Jonathan who gave this warning on Saturday amid the ongoing Local Government elections in the State frowned at the position of the Nigeria Police in the council election.

He called on the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) to take decisive action against judges who gave conflicting judgments concerning the election.

The former president warned that should Rivers State be out into war by political interests, the whole of Niger Delta may be consumed.

“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,” he said.

The former president further called on politicians to refrain from putting their interests ahead of the general good of the citizens.

“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 added.