Former President Goodluck Jonathan has sounded a warning to security agencies in Rivers State, urging them to avoid actions that could destabilize the state.
This warning comes amid a heated political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, over the ongoing local government elections.
The crisis took a turn when Wike and his loyalists insisted that the election should not hold, citing a Federal High Court judgment. However, Governor Fubara maintained that the poll would proceed as planned. Despite the tension, the election is currently underway in all local government areas.
Jonathan emphasized that state institutions, particularly security agencies, must prioritize promoting sound democratic culture and refrain from actions that could lead to law and order breakdown. He stressed that democracy’s growth and progress rely on governments’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and pursuing peace and justice.
In his statement, Jonathan cautioned political actors to be patriotic and circumspect in their pursuit of ambition and relevance. He also called on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to address the proliferation of conflicting court orders and judgments, warning that this could ridicule the judiciary and undermine democracy.
Jonathan drew parallels between the current situation in Rivers State and the crisis of the Old Western Region, urging stakeholders to prioritize public interest and promote peace, justice, and equality. His warning highlights the potential security implications of the crisis, given Rivers State’s strategic position as the gateway to the Niger Delta.
*Key Concerns:*
– *Security Implications*: The crisis could have far-reaching security implications for the region.
– *Judicial Intervention*: The NJC must address conflicting court orders and judgments.
– *Democratic Culture*: State institutions must promote sound democratic culture.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Rivers State, hoping that calm will be restored and democracy will prevail.
