Rivers: Tinubu reacts to ongoing crisis, tells police what to do

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force to protect local government secretariats in Rivers State following a wave of arson and vandalism triggered by aggrieved individuals upset with the outcome of Saturday’s local government elections.

In a statement released on Monday by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed concern over reports of escalating violence, including the burning of some council secretariats in the state.

“President Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the tensions that have arisen in Rivers State following the local government council election,” the statement read. “He is particularly alarmed by reports of arson and explosions targeting government facilities.”

The President called on all political actors to reduce tensions and discourage their supporters from resorting to violence and destruction. He stressed that such actions have no place in a democracy, especially after 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

In response to the situation, President Tinubu ordered law enforcement agencies to immediately restore peace and ensure the protection of public institutions. He emphasized that facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from acts of vandalism.

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President Tinubu also reminded political stakeholders that the judiciary remains the appropriate avenue for resolving political disputes, and urged them to follow democratic processes instead of resorting to violence.