FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep concern over the unfolding political situation in Rivers State as local government elections take place in the state today, October 5, 2024.
The former leader described the developments in the state as a threat to democracy and urged all political actors to act responsibly in the pursuit of their ambitions.
In a statement via his X handle, on Saturday, October 5, Jonathan emphasised that elections were fundamental to the growth of democracy, serving as the bedrock of legitimacy and citizen participation.
The ICIR reports that in the past few days, Rivers State has been embroiled in political tensions, following court rulings, conflicting orders, and accusations between the state government and the opposition political parties, and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)
The concerns intensified after Governor Siminalayi Fubara accused the NPF of attempting to disrupt the election process, an accusation the NPF firmly denied, citing a Federal High Court ruling that barred its involvement in the poll.
The tense atmosphere further escalated when an explosion rocked the Rivers APC secretariat just hours before the elections, with the APC caretaker committee chairman, Tony Okocha, accusing Fubara’s supporters of orchestrating the attack.
Reacting to these, the former president stressed the need for all stakeholders, particularly state institutions, to foster democratic culture through peaceful and fair elections, adding that “every election counts as a gain and honour to democracy.”
Jonathan further called on security agencies and other state institutions to refrain from actions that could lead to violence or a breakdown of law and order.
He noted that Rivers State is a critical gateway to the Niger Delta, and any instability in the region could have far-reaching consequences for national security.
The former president warned that the current crisis “bears an unsettling resemblance to the crisis of the Old Western Region in Nigeria’s history.”
He cautioned against allowing Rivers State to become a flashpoint that could destabilise the country’s democratic progress.
“Democracy is 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. 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 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 said.
While addressing the role of the judiciary in the conflict, he urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take decisive action against the increasing number of conflicting court orders.
He expressed concerns that such judicial actions could undermine the credibility of the institution and derail Nigeria’s 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 added.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M