President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive to the Nigerian Police Force to provide immediate security to local government offices in Rivers State, following a wave of violence that saw three local government secretariats set ablaze by suspected political thugs. The unrest, which erupted in the aftermath of last Saturday’s local government council elections, has escalated tensions, with reports of arson and explosions raising concerns about the safety of public infrastructure and residents.
In a statement from the State House, President Tinubu expressed grave concern over the destruction of government facilities, calling for immediate intervention to prevent further damage and restore peace. "Government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism," the President stressed, noting that the actions of political thugs threaten the core values of democracy and the rule of law.
President Tinubu specifically called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters to exercise restraint and refrain from escalating the situation. He urged all parties involved to channel their grievances through legal means rather than resorting to violence, emphasizing that Nigeria’s democratic system provides the judiciary as the rightful avenue for resolving electoral disputes.
The burning of the three local government secretariats—public assets meant to serve the people—has shocked many and raised alarms about the potential for further political instability. President Tinubu condemned the acts of arson and destruction, stating, “Self-help has no place in our democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.” He reiterated that political violence only undermines the very institutions meant to serve the public, and it must be swiftly addressed.
In response to the situation, President Tinubu directed the police and other law enforcement agencies to take immediate steps to secure all local government offices and other public institutions across the state. The Nigerian Police Force, acting under this directive, is expected to intensify efforts to protect these facilities from further attacks, while working to restore law and order in the affected areas.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reaffirmed that the federal government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability nationwide, with a zero-tolerance policy towards violence or actions that threaten public safety. “The government will not sit back and allow any group or individuals to undermine our democracy or destroy public property,” Onanuga stated.
Political analysts have warned that the escalating violence in Rivers State, if left unchecked, could lead to a broader crisis, threatening not only the state’s governance but also the peace of its citizens. President Tinubu’s firm call for restraint and his directive to the police to act swiftly is seen as a critical step to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
As Rivers State grapples with the fallout from the elections, President Tinubu’s message remains clear: democracy must be protected, and disputes must be settled within the confines of the law. His administration will continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure that public infrastructure is protected from those who seek to destabilize the peace and progress of the nation.
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