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President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to secure local government secretariats in Rivers State, following the violent unrest that erupted after last Saturday’s local government elections.
This decision comes in response to reports of arson and escalating violence, with several council secretariats set ablaze by individuals protesting the election outcomes.
In a statement released on Monday by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed concern over the destruction of public property in Rivers State.
Several local government secretariats, including those in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua, have been attacked and set on fire, while gunfire was reported in Ahoada East, where opposition to the newly inaugurated officials intensified.
“President Tinubu is deeply troubled by the reports of arson and explosions following the recent local government elections,” Onanuga stated.
The President urged all political actors involved in the crisis to de-escalate tensions and discourage their supporters from engaging in violent or destructive acts.
In his directive, President Tinubu called on the police to take immediate action to restore peace and protect public institutions, including the local government secretariats, which were constructed with public funds.
He emphasized that “self-help has no place in a democratic society,” urging political actors and their supporters to use the judiciary to resolve electoral disputes rather than resorting to violence.
“After 25 years of continuous democracy, it is crucial that political disagreements be settled through the courts,” Tinubu stressed.
The unrest began after the election results were announced, with the Action People’s Party (APP) winning 22 out of the 23 local government chairmanship positions, and the Action Alliance (AA) securing the remaining seat.
Despite tensions in the lead-up to the election, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara proceeded with the polls, swearing in the newly elected chairmen on Sunday. However, the election outcome has sparked violent opposition, with political opponents reportedly mobilizing groups to challenge the new officials.
The violence is concentrated in at least four local government areas, including Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police opted out of the election process, adding to the controversy surrounding the polls.
The attacks on local government secretariats followed the withdrawal of police personnel from the premises by the newly appointed Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, in line with directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
