President Bola Tinubu has spoken out on the recent local government election in Rivers State, calling for restraint and adherence to the rule of law.
This comes after the Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 chairmanship seats, despite protests from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu’s statement, released through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state. The President urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and discourage violence, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution.
Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately. He stressed the importance of safeguarding public institutions, built with public funds, from vandalism.
The President also reminded all stakeholders 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,” the statement said.
The aftermath of the Rivers State local government elections were marred by controversy, with protests and violence erupting in various local government secretariats. The newly inaugurated chairmen and officials were also blocked from performing their duties.