In response to allegations of explosions and arson during the local government council election last Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the police to promptly restore and uphold peace, law, and order in Rivers State.
The President expressed grave worry about the violence in a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, his special assistant on information and strategy. The President asked all political players to defuse the situation and dissuade their followers from acting in a damaging manner.
President Tinubu issued a call to action, stressing the need to secure the security of public institutions and ordering law enforcement authorities to put the situation under control.
He emphasised that public buildings constructed by the government should be protected from destruction and that self-help is inappropriate in a democracy, particularly following 25 years of nonstop democracy.
The president’s order is being issued in the midst of escalating hostilities in Rivers State, where political figures and those who support them have been fighting violently.
He challenged the state’s political elite, including Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, to maintain law and order and to use restraint. He also tasked them with persuading their followers on all sides to desist from using violence.
President Tinubu underlined that all political conflicts may be resolved by the courts, and this election’s result should be no different.
“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.