President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to immediately secure local government secretariats in Rivers State following a surge of violent unrest sparked by last Saturday’s local government elections.
The move comes in response to reports of arson and widespread violence, with several council secretariats set ablaze by individuals protesting the outcome of the election.
In a statement released by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Monday, the President expressed deep concern over the destruction of public properties in Rivers State.
The secretariats in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua local governments have already been attacked and set on fire, while gunfire was reported in Ahoada East, where resistance to the newly sworn-in officials escalated.
“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 said.
He added that President Tinubu called on all political actors involved in the crisis to de-escalate tensions and discourage their supporters from engaging in violent or destructive activities.
President Tinubu instructed the police to take immediate action to restore peace and order, specifically calling for the protection of public institutions such as the local government secretariats that were built with public funds.
In his directive, the President stressed that “self-help has no place in a democratic system,” urging the political actors and their supporters to use the judiciary to resolve electoral disputes instead of resorting to violence.
“After 25 years of continuous democracy, it is vital that political grievances are settled through the courts,” Tinubu stated.
The violence erupted following the announcement of the election results, where the Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 out of the 23 local government chairmanship positions, and the Action Alliance (AA) secured the remaining seat.
Despite heightened tensions leading up to the election, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara proceeded with the election, and on Sunday, he swore in the newly elected chairmen.
However, the unrest quickly followed, as political opponents, dissatisfied with the election outcomes, reportedly mobilized violent groups to resist the new local government officials.
The violence is particularly intense in at least four local government areas, with buildings in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua local governments.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police opted out of the election process, which added further tension and controversy to the exercise.
The burning of local government secretariats follows the withdrawal of police personnel from securing the council premises by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Bala Mustapha, acting under directives from Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.