Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has weighed in on the crisis rocking Rivers State. He urged for restraint while calling on the police to secure local government offices in the state. This was communicated in a statement signed by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.” the statement read in part.
“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.”
“He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.” It was also noted that police had been directed to maintain law and order in the state.
“President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.”
“While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.”
“President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.”
The President also noted that anyone who had issues with the conduct of elections should approach the judiciary. “He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.”
“According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.”
It was earlier reported that there had been violence across local government areas in the state. Just before the President’s statement, hoodlums burned the Ikwerre local government secretariat in Rivers State.
In Ikwerre LGA, located in Isiokpo, the office of the chairman was also set ablaze by thugs protesting the legitimacy of Saturday’s LGA elections. Asides Ikwerre, Eleme and Emohua local government secretariats were also affected.
Reports indicated that the armed hoodlums masquerading as political thugs stormed the council headquarters shortly after the police withdrew their personnel. The hoodlums vandalised properties and set buildings ablaze to prevent the newly elected chairmen from taking over the councils.
The political unrest has widened as political thugs loyal to Wike had set both Eleme and Ikwerre Council headquarters ablaze.
The attacks reportedly happened around 11am on Monday, with the Eleme Local Government Area being one of the first hit, as thugs set parts of the secretariat on fire, vowing to prevent the newly sworn-in chairman from accessing the office.
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