Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised serious concerns about the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene and address the growing issue of conflicting court rulings.
In a statement released on Saturday, Jonathan stressed that the unrest in Rivers State poses a grave threat to the peace and stability of not only the state but the entire Niger Delta region.
He noted that this crisis has the potential to cause widespread chaos if left unchecked.
Jonathan pointed out that the increasing number of conflicting court orders from courts of the same level is a danger to Nigeria’s democratic process.
He warned that if the issue is not resolved, it could damage the credibility of the judiciary and the nation’s democracy.
“The recent political developments in Rivers State are alarming for all, particularly for those who value democracy and those involved in our nation’s peace and security efforts,” Jonathan stated.
He emphasized that the integrity of elections is crucial to the survival of democracy.
“Elections are fundamental to democracy, serving as the primary means through which citizens express their choice of leadership. Each election, whether national or local, is vital and contributes to the integrity of democracy.”
The former president argued that the judiciary plays a key role in ensuring that democracy thrives, but the current wave of conflicting court rulings is weakening that role.
Jonathan called on the NJC to step in immediately and prevent further damage to the judicial system.
“The existence of conflicting court orders from courts of concurrent jurisdictions undermines democracy,” he said. “If left unaddressed, this situation could jeopardize Nigeria’s democratic framework and diminish the judiciary’s credibility.”
Rivers State is considered one of the most politically and economically significant states in the Niger Delta, a region rich in oil resources and historically prone to instability.
Jonathan warned that any prolonged unrest in the state could lead to broader security issues in the entire Niger Delta.
“Rivers State is critical to the Niger Delta, and instability there could have significant security repercussions for the entire region,” he said.
Jonathan’s comments highlight the importance of political stability in Rivers State, not just for the state itself but for the entire country, as the Niger Delta remains a key area for Nigeria’s oil production.
Jonathan did not just call for action from the judiciary; he also appealed directly to political actors involved in the Rivers State crisis.
He urged them to act responsibly and patriotically in their political pursuits, warning that their actions could have long-term negative consequences for the state and the country.
“Political actors must act responsibly and patriotically in their political pursuits,” Jonathan said. “They must remember that their actions could either promote peace or create chaos, and the latter could have devastating effects on the entire region.”
Jonathan also noted that democracy is a collective responsibility and that all state institutions should work together to promote peace and the rule of law.
“Democracy is a collective asset, and its advancement relies on the government’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and prioritize peace and justice at all times,” he stated.
In his statement, Jonathan urged the NJC to take immediate and decisive action to prevent the further spread of conflicting court orders.
He noted that such orders create confusion and could ultimately bring the judiciary into disrepute, weakening its ability to serve as a check on other branches of government.
“I call on the NJC to take measures to prevent the proliferation of conflicting court orders,” Jonathan said.
He added that the judiciary must be seen as a reliable and fair institution, and if the current trend of conflicting orders continues, it will harm the public’s trust in the system.
“If this issue persists, it could bring the judiciary into disrepute and threaten the democratic process,” Jonathan warned.
In addition to addressing the judiciary, Jonathan also called on security agencies, particularly the police, to remain neutral and avoid actions that could inflame the situation.
He warned that any involvement of security forces in political disputes could lead to more violence and instability.
“State institutions, especially security agencies, must avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order,” he said.
Jonathan’s comments reflect a growing concern that security agencies might be drawn into the political conflict, as has happened in other regions of the country in the past.
Jonathan’s statement also touched on the larger role that elections play in the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
He noted that elections are the primary mechanism through which citizens choose their leaders, and any interference in this process undermines the entire democratic system.
“Elections are the heart of democracy, and they allow citizens to express their choice of leadership,” Jonathan said.
He added that the country cannot afford to have its elections undermined by judicial confusion or political unrest.
“Every election, whether national or local, is crucial to the stability of our democracy,” he emphasized.
