President Tinubu Calls for Calm Amid Renewed Political Crisis in Rivers State
ABUJA/Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, urging all parties involved to put aside their differences for the sake of peace.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters to exercise restraint and adhere to the rule of law while navigating the ongoing turmoil.
In response to the recent unrest, which has been marked by incidents of arson and vandalism following Saturday’s local government elections, President Tinubu directed the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional personnel to the state to maintain order and protect public facilities. The President’s statement highlighted the urgent need for law enforcement to “restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.”
“The President expressed deep concern over reports of violence in the state,” the statement read, emphasising that political actors should resolve their differences through legal channels. “Self-help has no place in a democratic system,” he reiterated, stressing that disputes should be settled in court, particularly after 25 years of continuous democracy.
The renewed crisis in Rivers State follows the recent local government elections, where the Action People’s Party (APP) emerged victorious, securing 314 out of 319 councillorship seats and 22 of the 23 chairmanship positions. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, announced the results in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
However, the outcome has been contested by factions of the Rivers State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), who have rejected the election’s legitimacy. Allegations have been made that no elections took place on Saturday, with the PDP loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, pledging to challenge the results in court.
President Tinubu’s appeal for calm and the assurance of police intervention underscore the urgency for all stakeholders to engage in peaceful dialogue and uphold democratic principles amidst the current crisis.
