Pres. Tinubu condemns violence in Rivers, orders police to restore order

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the violence and destruction that erupted in Rivers State following last Saturday’s local government election.

In a statement, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, expressed the President’s deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.

Tinubu urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

He called on all parties involved to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.

The President directed the Nigeria Police Force to immediately restore and maintain peace, law, and order in the state.

He emphasized the need to ensure the security of public institutions, stating that government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.

Tinubu stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of stable democracy.

He stressed that the judiciary can resolve all political disputes, including election results.

Earlier, some yet-to-be-apprehended hoodlums set fire to a portion of the Eleme Local Government Secretariat in Rivers State.

The newly elected chairman arrived at the LG secretariat with his councilors and supporters on Monday morning only to find some buildings in the complex set ablaze.