Nigeria’s former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has warned political actors, the police and judiciary to refrain from acts that could imperil the nation’s hard-won democracy.
The former president gave the warning in a statement he issued on Saturday on the backdrop of the local government election holding in Rivers State.
Jonathan noted that the political happenings in Rivers State in the past days is a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of the nation.
The former president said, “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.
“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 on 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”
Jonathan emphasized that democracy is our collective asset, stressing that 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.
He stated that institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
According to him, Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta saying the threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.
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“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.
The former president urged State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders to always work for public interest and promote common good such as peace, justice and equality.
