- Directs Police to Enforce Law and Order
By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, and other political leaders to prioritize peace amidst the escalating violence in the oil-rich state.
The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga also called on Fubabra to uphold the rule of law.
Tinubu said it is worrisome that there have been reports of explosion and violence in Rivers State following the conclusion of the state’s local government election.
He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.
Tinubu also directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.
Tinubu also added that government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.
He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
The New Diplomat reports that Rivers State has been witnessing palpable tension since the conclusion of the local government election.
On Monday, some suspected thugs reportedly set fire to the Ikwerre Local Government secretariat building in Isiokpo, Rivers State.
It was gathered that the suspected thugs reportedly stormed the local government Secretariat around noon, vandalising property and setting buildings ablaze.
The office of the newly elected chairman of the Ikwerre LGA, Isreal Abosi, was said to have been affected.
Also, reports had emerged that some sections of the Eleme Local Government secretariat were on fire.
It would also be recalled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), following the conclusion of the election, declared that the Action Peoples Party (APP) won a total of 22 Local government council chairmanship seats while the Action Alliance (AA) won the remaining one.
Following the declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State swore in the newly elected Chairmen on Sunday.
Tinubu’s full statement as released by the Presidency reads in part:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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. “
