Rivers LG election: Tinubu orders police to protect local govt secretariats, urges actors to ‘got to court’

Amid the burning of local government secretariats in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Inspector General of Police to secure the premises.

 

Hoodlums on Monday set ablaze two local government secretariats in Rivers state barely 48 hours after new chairmen were elected. The affected local government secretariats were Ikwerre and Eleme.

 

In reaction to the escalated arson, Tinubu, in a statement directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.

 

According to the statement by Bayo Onanuga, his aide on Communication and Strategy called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

 

He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.

 

While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, Tinubu emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

 

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.