President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the safety of local government officials in Rivers State, following recent tensions and unrest in the region.
The President’s directive comes amid reports of arson, explosions, and political violence that erupted after last Saturday’s local government council elections in the state.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu instructed law enforcement agencies to immediately restore peace, law, and order, emphasizing the importance of protecting public institutions and facilities built with public funds from vandalism.
The President expressed concern over the escalating situation and urged all political leaders in Rivers State, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law. He stressed that in a democratic system, self-help and violence have no place, particularly after 25 years of continuous democratic governance in Nigeria.
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“Government facilities and public institutions must be safeguarded from damage or destruction,” Tinubu stated, highlighting that the judiciary remains the appropriate avenue for resolving political disputes, including those stemming from the recent election.
President Tinubu called on political actors to de-escalate the tensions and discourage their supporters from engaging in any form of violence or destructive actions. He reiterated that peaceful resolution through the courts should be the path forward for all parties involved, ensuring that democracy and the rule of law prevail in Rivers State.
The President’s intervention follows mounting unrest in the state, which has seen a spate of violence linked to political dissatisfaction over the outcomes of local elections.
