President BOLA TINUBU has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to protect local government secretariats in Rivers State against incursion by arsonists and vandals.
Violent clashes erupted in at least four local government areas with parts of the buildings in Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua council premses set ablaze, while gunshots were fired sporadically in Ahoada East to resist the new council officials.
However, the president in a statement by his spokesman , BAYO ONANUGA, expressed worry over the recent happenings in the state, urging 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, the president emphasized the need to ensure the security of public institutions, adding that the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.
Recall that Governor Siminalayi FUBARA on Sunday, swore in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen in Rivers State but some of the Local government bosses were attacked upon assumption of office yesterday with some council secretariats also set ablaze by political opponents.