President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the police to immediately restore and maintain peace, law, and order in Rivers State, following reports of arson and explosions after last Saturday’s local government council election.
In a statement issued on Monday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep concern over the violence and urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in destructive actions.
In a call to action, President Tinubu instructed law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, emphasizing the need to ensure the security of public institutions.
He stressed that government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism, highlighting that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
The President’s directive comes amidst rising tensions in Rivers State, where political leaders and their supporters have been engaged in violent clashes.
He urged the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as well as other political leaders in the state, to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law, tasking them to prevail on their supporters on all sides to refrain from further violence.
President Tinubu emphasized that the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.
“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.
“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”, the statement said
