LG Poll: There must be no breakdown of law, order in Rivers – Jonathan warns Police, others

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has warned security agencies in Rivers State against any move that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The former President gave the warning in a statement on Saturday while reacting to the political crisis rocking the state.

The crisis birthed by the face-off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, took a new turn recently over the conduct of the ongoing local government elections in the state.

While Wike and his loyalists insisted that the election must not hold on Saturday, citing a judgement by the Federal High Court, Fubara said there was no going back on the poll.

Newspot reports that amid tension in the state, the election is currently ongoing in all the local government areas.

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Reacting to the crisis, Jonathan in a statement on his official X handle, declared that 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,” he added.

Jonathan further warned that state institutions, “especially security agencies, must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order”.

Parts of the statement reads: “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.

“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.

“State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders must always work for public interest and promote common goods such as peace, justice and equality.”