President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Nigeria Police Force to secure local government secretariats in Rivers State in response to violent attacks by hoodlums following the outcome of Saturday’s local government elections.
The directive comes after several council buildings were set ablaze by vandals, angered by the election results.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga revealed the President’s order on Monday, emphasizing the government’s concern over the escalating violence in the oil-rich state.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
The violence erupted in at least four local government areas, where secretariats in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua were torched, and gunshots were reported in Ahoada East as political actors resisted the installation of newly elected council officials.
The incidents followed the withdrawal of police officers from the 23 council secretariats by the Rivers State commissioner of police.
In light of the violence, President Tinubu called on political leaders to de-escalate tensions and prevent further destruction. “President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately,” Onanuga confirmed.
The President also stressed the need to protect government infrastructure, stating, “Government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.”
Tinubu further underscored the importance of addressing grievances through legal means, highlighting that self-help and violence have no place in a democratic system.
“The judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception,” the President added, urging political actors to refrain from inciting violence.
The violence occurred after an election that was marked by significant tension, with the Action People’s Party (APP) winning 22 of the 23 chairmanship seats, and the Action Alliance (AA) claiming one.
Despite opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and police, Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted on proceeding with the election on Saturday.
The newly elected local government chairmen were sworn in on Sunday, but the violence continued as some of the LG bosses were attacked upon assuming office on Monday.
