Former President Goodluck Jonathan has broken his silence regarding the ongoing local government election crisis in Rivers State, urging calm and calling on political leaders to prioritize democracy and avoid actions that could undermine the process.
Jonathan’s remarks follow allegations of political manipulation by state institutions and incidents of electoral violence.
The Rivers State local government elections have been embroiled in controversy, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, taking opposing stances. Wike’s faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the election, citing court orders against the poll. The faction has been accused of collaborating with state institutions to disrupt the grassroots election.
In a statement, Jonathan appealed for restraint among political actors, underscoring the importance of elections in sustaining citizens’ trust in democratic governance. He highlighted that state institutions, particularly security agencies, must avoid actions that could destabilize the rule of law.
His statement reads:
RIVERS CRISIS: A NOTE OF CAUTION
“I am aware that the local government elections happening today, October 5, in Rivers State have drawn considerable attention from political actors. The recent political developments in Rivers State are cause for concern for anyone who values democracy, peace, and security.
Elections are the bedrock of democracy, serving as a key source of legitimacy. They renew citizens’ confidence in their country by giving them the opportunity to decide who governs them.
Every election, whether at the national or local level, is a significant milestone for democracy. It is the duty of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to uphold democratic principles and ensure that periodic elections are conducted fairly.
Democracy is a shared asset, and its growth depends on the government’s commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of peace and justice.
State institutions, especially security agencies, must not engage in activities that could lead to a breakdown of law and order. Rivers State is crucial to the Niger Delta, and any threat to peace here could have serious security implications for the region.
I urge all political actors involved in this crisis to remain patriotic and cautious in their pursuit of political ambitions.
I also call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address the growing issue of conflicting court orders, especially those from courts of concurrent jurisdiction
