By Abigail Philip David
President Bola Tinubu on Monday called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters in Rivers State to uphold the rule of law and avoid taking matters into their own hands following the recent local government elections.
In light of reports of arson and vandalism of public facilities in Rivers State, Tinubu urged all parties to resolve their disagreements through the courts, stating that “self-help has no place in a democratic system.”
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted Tinubu’s directive for police to secure public properties and restore peace and order in the state. The statement, titled “President Tinubu Decries Violence in Rivers, Directs Police to Provide Security to Local Government Offices,” stressed the importance of protecting public facilities from destruction.
The local government elections held last Saturday saw the Action People’s Party (APP) dominate, securing 314 out of 319 councillorship seats across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas, as announced by Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Other parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, and Young People’s Party, managed to win just one seat each.
However, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC factions in the state rejected the election results, claiming no election took place. The PDP faction, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has vowed to challenge the outcome in court.
Governor Fubara, who has been at odds with his predecessor Wike, swiftly inaugurated the newly elected council chairmen, further escalating tensions. Supporters from both sides have since clashed, with public facilities being targeted.
In response, President Tinubu expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged political leaders to calm their supporters. “President Tinubu called on all parties to de-escalate the situation and refrain from violence,” the statement read. He also reiterated the need for law enforcement agencies to restore peace and protect public institutions, emphasizing that the judiciary is the proper avenue for resolving political disputes.
