President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard Local Government secretariats in Rivers State following violent attacks by disgruntled individuals over the outcome of Saturday’s Local Government Council elections.
According to the Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, “In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state”.
The President urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.
Tinubu instructed law enforcement agencies to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately, emphasizing the need to secure public institutions.
“President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism,” Onanuga stated.
The President stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
He emphasized that the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.
Violent clashes erupted in at least four local government areas, including Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua, with parts of the buildings set ablaze, and gunshots fired sporadically in Ahoada East to resist the new council officials.
The Action People’s Party won 22 chairmanship positions out of 23, while the Action Alliance won a seat.
Governor Fubara sworn in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen on Sunday, but some LG bosses were attacked upon assumption of office on Monday.
The burning of LG secretariats followed the withdrawal of police officers securing the 23 council secretariats by the Commissioner of Police.