Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has instructed Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector general of police, to restore security and ensure peace, law, and order in local government secretariats in Rivers state.
This directive follows the destruction of some LGA secretariats in Rivers state by suspected hoodlums after the swearing-in of newly elected LGA chairs and their deputies.
Earlier, the IGP had issued an order for the immediate withdrawal of policemen from the 23 LGA secretariats.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson in Rivers state, said the IGP’s directive “is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions”.
However, in a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, Tinubu instructed the police to protect government properties from destruction.
“President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Tinubu also called on Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers state, as well as political leaders and their supporters, to practice restraint and respect the rule of law.
He urged political actors to “de-escalate the situation” and discourage their supporters from engaging in violent or destructive acts.
Expressing concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state, he stated that, “self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy”.
“The judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception,” Tinubu added.
