Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Police Force to safeguard local government secretariats in Rivers State against attacks by arsonists and vandals following the violence that erupted after Saturday’s Local Government elections.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on Monday confirming the president’s directive after hoodlums, dissatisfied with the election results, set fire to several council secretariats in the oil-rich state.
President Tinubu called for calm, urging political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from resorting to violence or destruction.
He emphasized that in a democracy, self-help has no place, especially after 25 years of continuous democratic governance. The president reminded all parties that the judiciary is available to resolve political disputes, and this election should be no exception.
The clashes affected at least four local government areas, with some council buildings torched and gunfire reported in Ahoada East as resistance to the newly elected council officials intensified.