…Directs police to restore law, order
President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
The President was reacting to the recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election and subsequent 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.
At least three Local Government secretariats have been torched by suspected hoodlums in the last few hours. Eleme, Ikwere and Emouha are among the secretariats that were destroyed by the hoodlums, following the victory of Action Peoples Party (APP) in the LGA election.
The State governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is locked in a fierce battle with Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had sworn-in 23 Local Government Councils Chairmen on Sunday. Subsequently, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, relaxed the 3-month siege at the secretariat.
The IGP had deployed his men to the secretariat after supporters of Wike and Fubara clashed in June.
