According to the former president, the Saturday, October 5, local government election in Rivers state has sparked intense interest and concern among political stakeholders, democracy lovers, and security experts.
In a tweet on the same Saturday, Jonathan said that the recent political developments in the state are alarming and highlight the need for collective responsibility.
The elder statesman maintains that elections are democracy’s cornerstone, providing legitimacy and renewing citizens’ faith in their government. Every national or sub-national election is crucial and contributes to democracy’s growth.
He stresses that all stakeholders, particularly state institutions, must promote a sound democratic culture and uphold the rule of law. Security agencies must avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The former president says Rivers is the gateway to the Niger Delta, and any threat to peace has significant regional security implications. He then urges political actors to prioritize patriotism and caution in their ambitions.
Jonathan also calls on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to address conflicting court orders and judgments, which undermine the judiciary’s integrity and democracy.
He likened the state crisis to the turmoil in the Old Western Region and warned that Rivers should not become the catalyst for democracy’s collapse. The former president emphasises that state institutions, including the police and judiciary, must prioritize public interest, peace, justice, and equality.
See the tweet here:
TimesNow.com.ng earlier reported that Rivers’ local government election had experienced another fresh protest amid the electoral process in the state.
PDP members loyal to the former governor Nyesom Wike were said to have stage following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s failure to comply with the directives of the court.
Some APC supporters were said to be mobilising to join the PDP protesters in the ongoing demonstration in the state.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
