President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Nigeria Police Force to bolster security at local government secretariats in Rivers State, responding to recent incidents of arson and vandalism following the contentious local government elections on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Monday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed grave concern over reports of violence and destruction, which have marred the electoral process. He called on political leaders and their supporters to de-escalate tensions and reject violence.
“The President has directed the police to take immediate action to restore and maintain peace and order in the affected areas,” Onanuga stated. He underscored the importance of safeguarding public institutions, reminding all stakeholders that facilities built with public funds must be protected from vandalism.
Tinubu emphasized that the principle of self-help has no place in a democratic society, particularly after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria. He urged that all political disputes be resolved through judicial channels, reinforcing the need for adherence to the rule of law.
Violent clashes erupted in at least four local government areas, with reports of council secretariats in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua being set ablaze, while sporadic gunfire was reported in Ahoada East as factions resisted the installation of new council officials.
These disturbances followed the withdrawal of police personnel assigned to secure the 23 council secretariats, a decision made by the commissioner of police. The aftermath of the elections saw the Action People’s Party (APP) securing 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance (AA) claimed one.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who insisted on conducting the elections despite the withdrawal of major political parties, inaugurated the newly elected local government chairmen on Sunday. However, many of these officials faced hostility upon taking office, with some council secretariats suffering significant damage at the hands of political opponents.
In a particularly alarming incident, the newly constructed secretariat at Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government Area was set ablaze. A local resident confirmed the fire, with videos circulating on social media showing the building engulfed in flames.
Eyewitnesses also reported that tensions remain high, particularly in Emohua, where unknown individuals have blocked access to the local government secretariat in protest against the new chairman, David Omereji. In Eleme, reports emerged that the newly elected chairman, Brain Gokpa, discovered damage to the secretariat upon his arrival with supporters.
So far, police authorities have not issued statements regarding the incidents, and no arrests have been reported. The atmosphere remains charged with fears of further violence, prompting urgent calls for restraint from all political actors.
As the situation develops, President Tinubu continues to advocate for calm and the rule of law, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the wake of these tumultuous elections.