Seemingly worried by the skirmishes in River State, President Bola Tinubu has called on political gladiators and their supporters in the state to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
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.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu wants all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.
The drama that greeted Saturday’s council elections climaxed Monday with the burning down of Etche Local Government buildings and prevention of some new chairmen from reaching their offices.
President Tinubu has also 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.
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President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism even as he stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
Tinubu urged politicians to take their disputed to court and noted that “the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.”
Recall that the Rivers State police command Withdrew it officers during the LG polls, saying it would not provide security for the conduct of the election in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday night, Grace Iringe-Koko, police spokesperson in Rivers, said the command is complying with an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Iringe-Koko advised other security agencies to comply with the court judgment by not providing security for the election.
The police asked residents to “cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during this crucial period”.
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