Rivers State crisis: Jonathan cautions Fubara, Wike, other key actors

Calls on the National Judicial Commission to intervene

A former president of Nigeria, Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has warned all the major actors in Rivers State to show restraint in their actions amidst the ongoing political tension in the state to enable democracy to thrive.

Mr. Jonathan made the call in a statement posted on his social media handle on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

It could be recalled that Rivers State had been embroiled in bitter crisis since 2023.

The State Governor, Mr. Siminialayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, are involved in a power tussle ever since the later left office last year.

According to reports, Mr. Wike is trying to maintain a stranglehold on the affairs of the state.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fubara is struggling to break free of all shackles and exercise his gubernatorial powers as bestowed by the constitution.

This has resulted in heavy political upheavals in the state, including the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex.

Earlier this week, forces believed to have been masterminded by Wike had made frantic efforts to ensure that the state Local Government election, slated for today, October 5, does not hold.

Fubara, on his part, had insisted against all odds that the election must hold across all the local governments in the state.

State and non-state actors, while pledging loyalties to either side, have also brazenly embarked on moves that threaten the peace of the state.

Jonathan wades into Rivers State crisis

It was in the light of these developments that ex-President Jonathan spoke up on the eve of events during the Local Government election.

In a statement, entitled “Rivers crisis: a note of caution”, Jonathan noted that “the political happenings in Rivers State… is a cause for serious concern”.

He 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 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 on who governs them.

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

“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.”

“Actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order”

The former president, therefore, warned institutions of the state, especially security agencies to refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.

He pointed out that Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta, adding that threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.

He cautioned all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance.

Jonathan also called 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 good such as peace, justice and equality,” the Otuoke-born leader stressed.

Earlier this year, Jonathan had held a one-on-one meeting with the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Fubara.

Top on the burner, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) learnt, was pathway to peace and stability in the state.

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