Former President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced his concerns regarding the political turmoil in Rivers State.

In a statement released on Saturday, he urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address the increasing issue of conflicting court rulings.

Jonathan highlighted that the unrest in Rivers State poses a serious threat to peace and stability, not just within the state but throughout the Niger Delta region.

He emphasized that the existence of conflicting court orders from courts of concurrent jurisdictions undermines democracy. If left unaddressed, he warned, this situation could jeopardize Nigeria’s democratic framework and diminish the judiciary’s credibility.

“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,” he stated.

“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.”

Jonathan stressed the importance of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, in fostering a robust democratic culture, where regular elections are a key principle.

“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. State institutions, especially security agencies, must avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.”

He further noted that Rivers State is critical to the Niger Delta, and instability there could have significant security repercussions for the entire region. Jonathan cautioned political actors involved in the crisis to act responsibly and patriotically in their political pursuits.

He called on the NJC to take measures to prevent the proliferation of conflicting court orders, asserting that if this issue persists, it could bring the judiciary into disrepute and threaten the democratic process. Jonathan also urged security agencies, particularly the police, to refrain from actions that might incite lawlessness.