Tinubu orders police protection for Rivers state LG secretariats (Details)
Tinubu Orders Police Protection for Rivers State LG Secretariats
By Wisdom Tide
In response to escalating violence and destruction of public property following the recent local government elections in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to take immediate action to safeguard local government secretariats. The directive was issued after reports surfaced of arson and widespread unrest, with protesters targeting government buildings over dissatisfaction with the election results.
Violent Unrest Following Local Elections
The violence erupted after the local government elections held last Saturday, with several council secretariats across Rivers State set ablaze by groups protesting the election outcomes. According to reports, secretariats in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua local governments were attacked, while gunfire was reported in Ahoada East, where opposition to the newly sworn-in officials intensified.
In response, President Tinubu issued an urgent order for the police to restore peace and provide protection for public institutions, particularly local government secretariats that had been targeted by arsonists.
President Tinubu Condemns Violence, Calls for Peaceful Resolution
In a statement released by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Monday, President Tinubu expressed his deep concern over the destruction of public properties and called on all political actors to de-escalate tensions. He urged them to discourage their supporters from engaging in violent or destructive activities, reminding them that political grievances should be resolved through legal channels, not violence.
“In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in Rivers State,” Onanuga stated. He added that the President stressed the importance of protecting public infrastructure and instructed law enforcement to restore order swiftly.
The Need for Judicial Intervention
In his directive, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of adhering to democratic principles and urged all political actors to seek redress in the courts rather than through acts of violence. He stated, “Self-help has no place in a democratic system. After 25 years of continuous democracy, it is vital that political grievances are settled through the courts.”
The President's call for judicial intervention reflects the growing concerns over the stability of the democratic process in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of contentious elections. Tinubu's administration has emphasized the need for peaceful conflict resolution, especially in cases involving electoral disputes, which have been a recurring challenge in Nigeria's political landscape.
Election Results and Political Tensions
The unrest in Rivers State followed the announcement of the local government election results, where the Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 out of 23 local government chairmanship positions, with the remaining seat going to the Action Alliance (AA). Despite the heightened tensions leading up to the election, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara proceeded with the electoral process and swore in the newly elected chairmen on Sunday.
However, political opponents, dissatisfied with the election outcomes, allegedly mobilized violent groups to resist the swearing-in of the new local government officials, leading to violent clashes. The unrest was particularly severe in at least four local government areas, including Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua, where public buildings were set on fire.
The Role of Key Political Actors and Police Withdrawal
The situation was further complicated by the withdrawal of key political actors and security forces from the election process. Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) boycotted the elections, citing irregularities, which added to the already tense atmosphere. Additionally, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Bala Mustapha, under the directives of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, withdrew police personnel from securing the council premises, leaving the secretariats vulnerable to attack.
This withdrawal of security forces from key areas allowed violent elements to exploit the situation, leading to the destruction of public property. The absence of police protection exacerbated the unrest and contributed to the widespread violence that followed the election results.
Immediate Action for Restoration of Peace
In light of these developments, President Tinubu's directive to the Nigeria Police Force represents a critical step towards restoring peace and preventing further damage to public infrastructure. The President's emphasis on the protection of local government secretariats underscores the importance of safeguarding public institutions, which are essential for governance at the grassroots level.
The President’s call for the use of the judiciary to settle electoral disputes highlights his administration's commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace during periods of political unrest. As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, the Nigerian public will be closely watching how effectively these measures are implemented to restore stability in the region.
Conclusion
President Tinubu's swift response to the violence in Rivers State signals his administration's determination to maintain law and order in the face of political unrest. By calling for police protection of local government secretariats and urging political actors to seek peaceful resolution through the courts, the President has set a clear expectation for a democratic, non-violent approach to conflict resolution. As tensions subside, it remains crucial for all parties involved to prioritize peace and stability for the benefit of the people of Rivers State and the integrity of Nigeria's democratic system.
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