Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised alarms over conflicting court rulings in Rivers State, warning that they threaten Nigeria’s democracy and regional stability. He urged the NJC to address the judiciary’s involvement in the political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike.
Port Harcourt – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently address the growing issue of conflicting court orders that are fueling political turmoil in Rivers State. The escalating tensions, he warned, are a significant threat not only to the state’s stability but also to the broader Niger Delta region.
Jonathan’s concerns come amid a fierce political battle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whose rivalry has led to a series of legal disputes. The conflict has resulted in contradictory rulings from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, further complicating the situation and threatening the democratic process.
In his statement, Jonathan noted that conflicting court orders from courts of concurrent jurisdiction are undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s judiciary. He stressed that if the issue is not addressed promptly, it could erode public trust in the legal system and destabilize the democratic framework.
“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 said. “Conflicting court rulings do not only weaken democracy but also set a dangerous precedent that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.”
Jonathan specifically pointed to the conflicting court orders related to the Wike-Fubara political feud, where legal maneuvers by both sides have resulted in courts issuing contradictory injunctions. The Rivers State court, perceived to be aligned with Wike, has issued rulings that favor his faction, while the Federal High Court in Abuja, influenced by national dynamics, has countered with rulings favoring Governor Fubara.
This judicial tug-of-war has exacerbated tensions within the state’s political landscape, creating confusion and stalling effective governance. Jonathan emphasized that the NJC must take decisive action to prevent further conflicts between courts of equal standing.
“The proliferation of these conflicting court orders threatens not just Rivers State but could have wider security implications for the Niger Delta region,” Jonathan cautioned. “The judiciary’s role is to uphold justice and not to be caught in political intrigues.”
He also called on political actors, particularly those involved in the Wike-Fubara feud, to act responsibly and avoid actions that could incite violence or further destabilize the region. Jonathan urged all parties to prioritize the rule of law and work towards peaceful resolutions.
The former president’s intervention comes at a critical moment as the Rivers State political crisis deepens ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Jonathan reiterated that democracy thrives on credible elections, and state institutions, including the judiciary and security agencies, must uphold the principles of fairness and justice.
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