President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Nigeria Police to secure local government officials in Rivers State and urgently restore peace, law, and order in the wake of violent incidents following the recent local government elections. In a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasized the need to protect public institutions and ensure the safety of government facilities funded by public resources.
Condemning any form of self-help, President Tinubu reminded Nigerians that such actions have no place in a democratic society, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy in the country. He underscored the role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes and called on political actors in Rivers State to follow legal channels in addressing grievances related to the elections.
The President appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters to show restraint and adhere to the rule of law. Expressing concern over reports of arson and explosions, he called for an immediate de-escalation of the situation and urged political actors to discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or acts of destruction.