- Earlier today, Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the secretariats of the 23 LGAs of the state.
- Shortly afterwards, some irate youths set sections of three local government secretariats in the state on fire.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to restore peace in Rivers state.
The president also called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on media and strategy.
“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,” the statement said.
He urged 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, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions,” the statement continued.
President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.
He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.
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