President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to immediately restore and maintain peace, law, and order at Local Government secretariats in Rivers State.

The Star had earlier reported that some unknown hoodlums set ablaze a section of the Eleme Local Government Area secretariat in Rivers State, following Saturday’s local government election in the state.

It was gathered that the secretariat was set ablaze in the early hours of Monday, October 7, 2024.

The newly elected chairman of the local government, Brain Gokpa, was said to have gone to the council secretariat alongside his councillors and supporters and discovered that a few of the buildings in the council had been set ablaze.

However, Tinubu, in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters in the state to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

Onanuga noted that Tinubu, in response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government election in Rivers State, expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.

IGP orders reopening of Rivers LG secretariats

He quoted the president as urging all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.

While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, Tinubu emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism, adding: “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.”

The Star