Post-election violence escalates in Rivers State; Tinubu directs IGP to restore peace

The tension in Rivers State has degenerated into larger chaos as hoodlums opposed to the outcome of Saturday’s local government election have started vandalising and burning government properties.

Recall Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Sunday swore in the newly elected council chairmen of the 23 local government areas hours after they were issued certificates of return by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

The Action Peoples Party won 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance candidate won one seat in an election held against a backdrop of palpable tensions after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police opted out of the exercise held on Saturday, October 6, 2024.

And determined to prevent the newly sworn-in chairmen from resuming at their various offices, thugs on Monday morning swooped on LG secretariats shooting, burning vehicles, and vandalising properties. They set part of the Eleme LGA secretariat on fire.

The violence was replicated in the Ikwerre LGA secretariat, Isiokpo, where thugs protesting the legitimacy of Saturday’s elections burned down the office of the chairman.

Emohua LGA secretariat was rocked by an explosion shortly after the newly sworn-in chairman, David Omereji, had inaugurated his deputy, Patience Ebere, along with 14 councillors. Irate youths detonated explosives, destroying the secretariat buildings.

Soldiers have reportedly taken over Ahoada East LGA where one person is reported dead. Also, one person was reported died in Bori, Khana LGA.

Fubara had on Sunday while swearing in the new LG chairs and councilors alleged that there were plans to perpetrate violence against the elected officials when they resume their duties on Monday.

The mayhem ensued after the withdrawal of police officers from all 23 LG secretariats by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun on Monday.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to protect local government secretariats in Rivers State against incursion by arsonists and vandals.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga made this known in a statement on Monday after rampaging hoodlums aggrieved with the outcome of Saturday LG poll burnt down some council secretariats in the state.

“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,” Onanuga said.

Tinubu 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.”

According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.

The post-election violence in Rivers State which has prevented newly sworn-in council chairmen from accessing their offices, has raised serious concerns, with stakeholders across the board condemning and calling for immediate action to restore peace and stability.

The violence, which led to the deaths of several individuals and the burning of council secretariats, is allegedly linked to loyalists of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Hon. Sunny Wokekero, the Rivers State Chairman of the Action People’s Party (APP), described the violence as an “unfortunate situation” after what he called a peaceful election. He condemned the crisis, which occurred in a few council secretariats, stating, “violence in any form or shape must be condemned.” Wokekero, whose party won 22 out of 23 LGAs in the October 5 elections, blamed the violence on those opposed to the election, adding that, “The new chairmen have taken charge, and there is nothing anybody can do about it now.”

Chief Emeka Beke, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized the destruction of public property, calling it “barbaric.” He blamed the violence on individuals “who have lost grip of the state” and condemned the police for vacating the sealed council secretariats without providing security for the new chairmen. Beke’s faction of the APC only won one councillorship seat in the election.

Chief Chibuike Ikenga, state publicity secretary of the APC, also condemned the violence, stating that their party’s secretariat on Aba/Port Harcourt Expressway was attacked by supporters of the state government. Ikenga, whose faction is aligned with Nyesom Wike, expressed disappointment over the violence, stating that “APC is not a violent party and we cannot associate ourselves with violence.” He called on the police to arrest those responsible for the attacks.

Comrade Solomon Lenu, national coordinator of the Ogoni Development Drive (ODD), accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of inciting the violence, recalling a statement Wike made in December 2023: “I know I may not win this political battle against Governor Fubara, but I will make him suffer.” Lenu, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Khana LGA, blamed Wike for orchestrating the violence and claimed that several people had been murdered in various LGAs, with government property worth billions of naira destroyed.

Comrade Voke Emore, chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), urged all parties to maintain peace and avoid acts of violence. He reiterated that the PCRC remains neutral and committed to promoting peace and unity. “This state belongs to all of us. Acts of arson, whether in burning down government or private facilities and vehicles, would do us no good,” Emore said, urging youths to seek peaceful ways of resolving grievances.