President Tinubu Orders Police To Secure Rivers LG Secretariats After Fire Incidents

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard local government secretariats in Rivers State following recent attacks by arsonists.

This order comes after several secretariats were set on fire by arsonists on Monday, just 24 hours after the local government elections in the state.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on Monday, explaining that the attacks were carried out by hoodlums angry with the results of the election.

“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 the state,” Onanuga said.

According to him, President Tinubu urged all political figures to calm the situation and prevent their supporters from engaging in violent or destructive actions.

He said, “President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.

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

“President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.”

Tinubu also stressed that self-help and violence have no place in a democracy, especially after 25 years of continuous democratic governance.

He encouraged all parties to resolve political disputes through the judiciary, including issues related to the recent election.

The violent clashes affected at least four local government areas, with secretariat buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua set on fire.

Gunshots were also reported in Ahoada East as the newly elected council officials faced resistance.

These attacks followed the withdrawal of police officers from the 23 local government secretariats by the Rivers State police commissioner.

Despite objections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police, Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted the election proceed on Saturday.

Following the election, the Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, with the Action Alliance (AA) securing one.

Governor Fubara swore in the newly elected chairmen on Sunday, but some faced attacks when they assumed office on Monday.

KanyiDaily had reported that several Rivers LG secretariats were also set on fire by political rivals.