•Says Every Election Counts
By Halimah Olamide
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has thrown his weight behind the ongoing local government election in Rivers state. He said every election should count for the good of democracy.
His comment came amidst controversies over the conduct of the election which has seen the sitting Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike locked in a battle of supremacy.
According to him, the series of occurence has been a cause of concern particularly to lovers of democracy
“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.”
Describing the elections as the cornerstone
of democracy, he stated that the 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.
“Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
“Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.”
He however cautioned political players involved to be patriotic in their political ambition pursuit.
Meanwhile, he urged the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to curb the
“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 increase 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.” He said.
NPO reports that a Federal High Court, Abuja, restrained the police and the Department of State Services from participating in the poll.
However, on Friday, some operatives of the police attempted to invade the headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The Rivers State Governor, Fubara who foiled the attempt stated that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, should be held responsible if anarchy broke out in the state.