Tinubu is urging political stakeholders in Rivers State to be cautious after thugs set fire to three local government secretariats.
The president told the police to keep things in order, protect government workers, and get the situation under control.
According to Bayo Onanuga’s statement, Tinubu, who’s currently abroad, said the problems from the controversial local government election in Rivers could be sorted out in court.
Onanuga said the president wants government facilities in the state to be protected from vandalism.
The statement read in part,
“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.”
“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.
“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,” Onanuga said.
Tinubu’s comment came after some guys burned down the secretariats in Eleme, Ikwere, and Emouha on October 7, 2024.
This situation is making the ongoing feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike even more intense, after the election that was mostly won by the Action Peoples Party (APP).
The party won 22 out of 23 chairmanship seats in the state.
Opinion on Tinubu Breaks Silence on Rivers Crisis
While I am happy the president spoke out on the issue, but I felt it’s almost too late.
As the president of the nation, you don’t show favoritism even if you have one.
Also, a former governor cannot be greater than a sitting governor. So, the former should have been cautioned.
Last, the president statement as released by Bayo Onanuga didn’t address the issue. It’s sounding more like, let it not be I didn’t talk.
That’s not too good for a president. I pray the president does not lose his respect. You are a father to all.