Following the escalation of violence at local government headquarters across Rivers State Monday as the new officials who emerged from last Saturday’s poll were about to assume office, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the police to restore order at the councils immediately.
Violence had broken out at most of the local government headquarters in the state as hoodlums suspected to be pro Wike members launched attacks at the councils, bringing the secretariats down with fire and explosives.
The fracas first broke out in Eleme local government, but hours later in what looked like a coordinated assault it spread to other local government areas.
In Ahoada, unconfirmed reports said that the younger brother of the Chief of Staff to Gov Fubara, Hon. Edison Ehie was killed, while the secretariats of Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Khana LGAs were attacked with fire and explosives.
The battle for the control of local government councils in the state started in June 2024 at the expiration of the tenure of the elected chairmen who refused to quit the office on the pretext that their tenure was extended for another six months by the pro Wike lawmakers in the State House of Assembly.
Governor Fubara had however appointed Caretaker Chairmen to man the councils preparatory for an election to fill the positions with democratically elected officials.
The governor’s decision was greeted with opposition from the pro-Wike side of the divide who invaded the councils, causing breakdown of law and order.
The Inspector General of Police in the exercise of his powers consequently ordered the police to take over the councils to restore order.
But no sooner had the IG directed the poliice to vacate the councils following the conduct of local government election last Saturday than hoodlums invaded the councils again Monday October 7 causing massive destruction, even killing and maiming.
Against this backdrop, President Bola Tinubu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
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The President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.
He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.
President Tinubu 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.
President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.
He stressed that self-help had no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, stressing that the outcome of the local government election should be no exception.
