President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave marching orders to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to immediately restore peace, law and order in Rivers State.
The presidential directive followed the arson and explosions recorded in some local government secretariats.
Recall that on Sunday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara inaugurated 23 council chairmen announced as winners in Saturday’s election.
Ahead of their resumption in office yesterday, the police, which had since July sealed the council secretariats, unsealed them to allow the chairmen to move into office.
Violence and explosions soon broke out in many of the local government secretariats. Four of the councils—Ikwerre, Isiokpo, Emohua, and Eleme — had their secretariats torched. There were heavy gunshots.
President Tinubu warned against self-help.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reads: “President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers 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.”
