As tension rises in the ongoing Rivers State local government elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan has sounded a note of caution to political actors and stakeholders amid rising tensions in the state.
In a statement shared on X.com, Jonathan expressed deep concern over the political developments in recent days, urging all parties to prioritize peace, justice, and the rule of law.
“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,” Jonathan stated.
Highlighting the crucial role elections play in strengthening democracy, the former president stressed that the process remains the cornerstone of democratic governance, serving as the primary source of legitimacy for elected officials.
“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,” he noted.
Jonathan emphasized the importance of elections at both national and sub-national levels, calling it a “gain and honour to democracy.” He called on all stakeholders, particularly state institutions, to uphold a sound democratic culture.
“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,” he added.
As tensions rise in Rivers, Jonathan warned that any threat to peace in the state could have far-reaching implications for the Niger Delta region.
“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 warned.
The former president also urged political actors to act with caution and patriotism, focusing on the broader interests of the country rather than personal political ambitions.
“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,” he cautioned.
In addition, Jonathan called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address the issue of conflicting court orders, warning that unchecked judicial interventions could undermine democracy.
“I am calling on the National Judicial Council (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,” he stated.
He also likened the current situation in Rivers to the crisis in Nigeria’s Old Western Region, warning against allowing history to repeat itself.
“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,” Jonathan said.
The former president concluded by appealing to all state institutions, including security agencies, to work for the common good and promote public interest, ensuring peace, justice, and equality.
“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 urged.
The Rivers State local government elections have been a subject of intense political interest, and Jonathan’s call for restraint comes at a critical time when the nation’s democratic institutions face significant challenges.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")