President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to protect local government secretariats in Rivers State amid rising tensions and recent incidents of arson and vandalism.
This order comes in response to violent outbreaks linked to the aftermath of Saturday’s local government elections, where aggrieved individuals reportedly set several council secretariats ablaze.
In a statement released on Monday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, it was noted that President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the reports of violence and destruction in the state. He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and to discourage their supporters from engaging in any violent or destructive actions.
“President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately,” Onanuga stated. He emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to control the situation and to safeguard public institutions, insisting that facilities built with public funds must be protected from vandalism.
The President highlighted that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy, and that the judiciary should resolve any political disputes arising from the elections.
Violent clashes were reported in at least four local government areas, including Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua, where parts of council buildings were set on fire. Sporadic gunfire was also reported in Ahoada East as tensions flared following the new council officials’ assumption of office.
These events unfolded after the police withdrew their personnel from securing the 23 council secretariats in the state, a decision made shortly before the elections. Despite the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police opting out of the electoral process, Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted on holding the elections.
In the tense aftermath, the Action People’s Party (APP) secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance (AA) won one. Governor Fubara swore in the newly elected local government chairmen on Sunday, but some faced immediate attacks upon taking office.
