Following the attacks and fire outbreak in some local government secretariats in Rivers State by hoodlums, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to protect all the local government secretariats in the state.
News About Nigeria reports that violent clashes erupted in at least four local government areas in the state with parts of the buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua council secetariat set ablaze.
Also, gunshots were fired sporadically in Ahoada East to resist the new council officials.
In response to the violence, the President’s order is to ensure that peace is restored and to also apprehend the vandals behind the fire outbreak in some of the secretariats.
The President’s order was contained in a statement by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Monday.
In the statement, the President also urged all political actors to discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.
The statement reads, “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. 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. The President stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.”
The President further noted that the best way to settle all political disputes, and the outcome of Saturday’s Rivers Local Government Election is in the court.
