President Tinubu instructs the police to safeguard local government secretariats in Rivers State, following coordinated arson attacks on key administrative buildings.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard local government secretariats in Rivers State from arsonists and vandals.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced in a statement on Monday that following the results of Saturday’s local government election, discontented hooligans set fire to several council secretariats in the oil-rich state.
Onanuga stated that the President is deeply concerned about reports of arson and explosions in the state following recent tensions after last Saturday’s local government council election.
The President called on all political figures to reduce tensions and advise their followers against participating in violence or destructive behaviors.
President Tinubu instructed the police to promptly reestablish and uphold peace, law, and order.
He instructed law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control and stressed the importance of securing public institutions.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of protecting government facilities, constructed with public funds, from vandalism.
The President emphasized that in a democratic system, especially one with 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, self-help is inappropriate.
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President Tinubu believes that the judiciary has the capability to resolve any political disputes, including issues arising from this election.
Violent clashes broke out in at least four local government areas, with parts of the buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua council premises set on fire. Meanwhile, sporadic gunfire occurred in Ahoada East as an effort to resist the new council officials.
The LG secretariats were set on fire after the commissioner of police withdrew the officers assigned to secure all 23 council offices.
Despite the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police deciding not to participate in the process that elected new LG chairmen, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was adamant about holding the election on Saturday.
Following an exercise conducted amidst increased tensions, the Action People’s Party (APP) secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions in the oil-rich state, while the Action Alliance (AA) claimed one seat.
Fubara inaugurated the 23 newly elected local government chairmen in Rivers State on Sunday. However, by Monday, several of these leaders faced attacks as they assumed office, and some council secretariats were set on fire by political adversaries.
