Secure Rivers, Tinubu Tells Police as violence erupts

Secure Rivers, Tinubu Tells Police as violence erupts
By NEXTER
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Police to secure lives and properties in Rivers state amid violence over the outcome of the Saturday local government election in the state.
The president gave the directive through a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Monday, in Abuja.
NEXTER reports that violent clashes broke out in some local government areas hours after the police withdrew its men deployed to secure the 23 local government areas of the state.
The withdrawal came after the conclusion of the local government election in the state which saw Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s loyalists wining 22 out of the 23 seats.
After the election, Governor Fubara inaugurated the new chairmen on Sunday.
However, gunshots and explosions heralded the resumption of chairmen earlier sworn-in with some local government secretariats set ablaze while others were vandalised.
The affected secretariats include Emohua, Eleme, Ikwerre, and Ahoada East.
President Tinubu said the ensuing violence was needless, explaining that the judiciary can resolve all political disputes, and the outcome of the Saturday election should not be different.
The president urged all political leaders to help calm the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive acts.