Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday issued a note of warning against violence in the ongoing Rivers Local Government Election.
In a statement on his official X account on Saturday, the former president urged relevant stakeholders to ensure that the elections are conducted freely and fairly.
News About Nigeria reports that Jonathan said this on the heels of recent happenings in Rivers state and reports of violence and ballot box snatching in some LGAs on social media.
Speaking in a statement titled, ‘Rivers Crisis: A Note Of Caution, Jonathan 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. The political happenings in Rivers State in the past days are a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation. Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. 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.
“Democracy is our collective asset, 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. Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order. 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 statement partly reads.
