President Bola Tinubu has broken his silence on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, urging stakeholders to exercise caution and prioritize peace. Tinubu, who had previously intervened in the situation last year, remained quiet as tensions resurfaced, but has now called for calm amid escalating disputes.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed the Nigerian police to maintain order and ensure the safety of local government workers amidst the unrest. The president emphasized the need for law enforcement to secure peace and prevent any further violence.
Addressing the contentious local government election held on Saturday, Tinubu advised that any issues arising from the polls should be settled through legal channels. He encouraged aggrieved parties to approach the courts for resolution, reinforcing his stance on the importance of the rule of law in resolving political disputes.
The president’s remarks come after several months of silence following a failed intervention last year, during which warring political camps had been summoned to the Presidential Villa in Abuja in an attempt to resolve their differences. Despite that effort, the conflict has persisted, prompting Tinubu’s latest call for caution.
“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.”
“He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.
“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.
“He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
“According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.”
At least three Local Government secretariats have been torched by suspected hoodlums in the last few hours.
Eleme, Ikwere and Emouha are among the secretariats that were destroyed by the hoodlums following the victory of Action Peoples Party (APP) in the LGA election.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is locked in a fierce battle with Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had sworn in 23 Local Government Chairmen on Sunday.
Subsequently, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, relaxed the 3-month siege at the secretariats.
The IGP had deployed his men to the secretariats after supporters of Wike and Fubara clashed in June.
But after the policemen left, hoodlums trooped to various secretariats where supporters of the strongmen of Rivers politics clashed.
