JUST IN: Tinubu Condemns Post-Election Violence In Rivers, Directs IGP To Maintain Law And Order Around All LGAs

President Bola Tinubu has stepped in to address the escalating violence in Rivers State following Saturday’s local government elections.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that President Tinubu directed the Nigeria Police Force under the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to safeguard local governments secretariats in the state from attacks by arsonists and vandals.

He gave the marching order to the IGP following reports of arson and explosions at several council secretariats in the state.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, announced that the President is deeply concerned about the tensions and urged all political actors to calm the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in destructive actions.

He expressed worried that rampaging hoodlums, dissatisfied with the results of Saturday’s local government elections, set fire to several council secretariats in the oil-rich state.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, law, and order, and ensuring the security of public institutions built with public funds.

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 emphasized that self-help is unacceptable in a democratic system, particularly after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.

He stated that the judiciary is equipped to resolve all political disputes, and the results of this election should be no different.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recently ordered the withdrawal of police from the local government secretariats in Rivers State after a court judgment on the controversy over the tenure of local government council chairmen.

This development may be connected to the current situation.