Rivers: Jonathan Warns Against Derailing Democracy, Criticises Conflicting Judgements

Former president Goodluck Jonathan has warned against the derailment of the country’s democracy following the crisis over the local government election in Rivers State.

Rivers has been in the news for some months now amid the council polls.

A court verdict had barred the police from providing security for the election while also ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to release the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

However, Jonathan, in a statement on Saturday, warned that if not resolved, the crisis in Rivers may collapse the country’s 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 good such as peace, justice, and equality

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 our nation.

“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 in who governs them.

“Every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy”, the former president said.

According to him, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of a sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue.

Click here to watch our video of the week: