President Bola Tinubu has condemned the violence in Rivers State, while urging political leaders and their supporters to remain peaceful and respect the rule of law.
He revealed this in a statement signed by his special adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday evening.
Recall that the October 5 local government council elections in Rivers State sparked widespread unrest, with thugs burning down several local government area (LGA) secretariats, including those in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua.
The violence escalated, leading to clashes between armed groups, explosions, and reports of fatalities at some council offices.
Tensions grew as supporters of opposing political factions, including those loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, challenge the legitimacy of the election results announced by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
President Tinubu expressed his deep concern over the incidents of arson and violence in the state, urging all political actors to de-escalate the situation.
He called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other leaders in the state to discourage their supporters from resorting to violence or destructive actions.
In response to the unrest, the President directed the police to immediately restore peace and ensure the security of local government offices and other public institutions.
He called for the need to protect government facilities built with public funds from further vandalism.
President Tinubu also stressed that self-help and violence have no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
He advised political parties and their supporters to use the judiciary to settle any disputes arising from the election, noting that the courts remain the appropriate avenue for resolving such conflicts.
