By Okafor Joseph Afam
October 7, 2024

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has intervened in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, calling for restraint from political leaders while directing the Nigerian Police to secure local government offices.

In a statement released by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed concern over the rising tensions following last Saturday’s local government council elections, which have sparked violent protests.

“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 statement read.

The President voiced alarm over reports of arson and explosions in various parts of the state and urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation. “He urged all political actors to discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions,” Onanuga added.

In response to the unrest, Tinubu has ordered law enforcement agencies to restore order in Rivers State. “President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately,” the statement continued. The President emphasized that the security of public institutions must be a top priority, noting that government facilities, built with public resources, should not be subjected to vandalism.

Tinubu further advised those aggrieved by the electoral process to pursue their grievances through legal channels, reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s democratic system. “The judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception,” he said, warning that self-help and violent actions have no place in the country’s democracy, particularly after 25 years of continuous civilian rule.

The President’s remarks come in the wake of widespread violence in Rivers State, where political thugs have targeted local government secretariats. Earlier reports from SaharaReporters confirmed that hoodlums had set fire to the Ikwerre Local Government Secretariat in Isiokpo, Rivers State, as part of protests challenging the legitimacy of the election results.

Ikwerre was not the only area affected. Local government secretariats in Eleme and Emohua were also attacked. Armed groups, masquerading as political thugs, stormed these council headquarters shortly after police forces withdrew from the premises, vandalizing property and setting buildings ablaze. Their actions aimed to prevent the newly elected chairmen from assuming office.

According to eyewitness reports, political thugs loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike were allegedly behind the attacks, including the burning of the Ikwerre and Eleme council headquarters. The assaults began around 11 AM on Monday, with Eleme Local Government Area being one of the first struck as thugs set parts of the secretariat on fire and vowed to keep the newly elected officials from entering their offices.

The situation in Rivers State remains tense as the government works to restore peace amidst ongoing political turbulence.