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In a decisive move to address escalating violence in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to restore security and maintain law and order in local government secretariats across the state. This directive follows a series of violent incidents that erupted after the recent local government elections, which saw the Action Peoples Party (APP) winning 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions.
Background of the Crisis
The unrest began after the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected local government chairmen, during which suspected hoodlums attacked several council secretariats, resulting in widespread destruction. Reports indicate that the police had previously ordered the withdrawal of officers from these areas, leading to a power vacuum that allowed violence to escalate.
In light of these developments, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in Rivers State. He emphasized that government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism and called for all political actors to exercise restraint.
Call for Restraint and Rule of Law
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political leaders to uphold the rule of law and discourage their supporters from engaging in violent actions. He reiterated that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
“The judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception,” Tinubu stated, highlighting the importance of legal recourse over violent confrontations.
Police Response
Following the president’s directive, police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko announced that law enforcement agencies would take immediate action to restore peace in the affected areas. Conventional police officers and anti-riot units have been deployed to secure local government secretariats and prevent further violence.
Conclusion
As tensions remain high in Rivers State, all eyes will be on law enforcement’s response to President Tinubu’s directive. The situation underscores the critical need for dialogue and restraint among political factions as they navigate this challenging period. The president’s call for peace aims to foster an environment where governance can resume without fear of violence or disruption.
