In the aftermath of the local government elections in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has expressed grave concern over reports of violence and unrest.
The President has directed the Nigerian Police Force to take immediate action in restoring peace and protecting public property.
This directive follows several incidents of arson and explosions in the state, which occurred after the controversial election.
Tinubu warned that such violent actions threaten the foundation of democracy.
He called on all political leaders in the state to exercise restraint and allow the rule of law to prevail.
The President made it clear that public properties built with taxpayer funds must be protected from vandalism.
“Self-help has no place in a democratic society,” Tinubu said, stressing that Nigeria’s 25 years of continuous democracy should not be disrupted by such actions.
He emphasized that any political disputes should be resolved in the courts, not through violence or destruction.
“Fubara Swears in New Chairmen, Says ‘Desperate Measures’ Needed”
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has defended his recent decisions regarding the state’s local governments.
At a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected chairmen of the 23 local government areas, Fubara described the situation as “desperate,” and claimed that it required “desperate measures.”
The Governor, speaking from Government House in Port Harcourt, declared the outcome of the elections as the beginning of a “new Rivers State.”
He praised President Tinubu for the support given during the election process.
The governor also expressed gratitude to various political figures, including former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili and former PDP national chairman Uche Secondus, for their contributions.
Fubara urged the newly sworn-in council chairmen to remain accountable to the people, warning that there would be consequences for any misuse of power.
He said, “Life is not about you getting everything. Work for your people, or you will lose it all.”
The governor stressed the importance of delivering good governance, describing the event as a “landmark” for the state.
“I want this to be the beginning of a new era for Rivers State,” he said.
“HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Court Orders, Calls for Sanctions”
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take immediate action against judges who issue what it termed “frivolous” court orders.
HURIWA expressed concern over the increasing number of ex-parte injunctions and rulings that appear to influence politically sensitive cases.
The organization described these judicial actions as harmful to Nigeria’s democratic process.
In particular, HURIWA called on the NJC to investigate the judges responsible for these rulings and impose strict sanctions where necessary.
This call for accountability comes amidst the political tension surrounding the Rivers State elections.
“Former Vice President Atiku Commends Rivers Election Process”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised the peaceful conclusion of the Rivers State local government elections.
In his statement, Atiku said the successful election was proof that democracy remains the best form of governance.
He lauded the efforts made to ensure that the election was free from significant violence or disruptions.
Atiku’s statement came just days after the polls, where the Action People’s Party (APP) won in 22 of the 23 local government areas.
The sole exception was Etche Local Government Area, where Action Alliance (AA) secured victory.
“Tensions Rise as Allegations Against Wike Emerge”
The former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Evans Bipi, has accused the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of attempting to “usurp” presidential powers.
Bipi alleged that Wike is behind efforts to secure a court injunction that would block the release of federal funds to local governments in Rivers State.
The allegations have raised further political tensions in the state, with many wondering if the accusations will lead to a deeper rift between political factions.
Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has also joined the chorus of critics, accusing Wike of plotting to manipulate the system.
While these accusations have not been substantiated, they add to the growing tension in Rivers State as the political climate remains highly charged.
“Governor Fubara: ‘We Salvaged the Local Governments'”
During his speech at the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Fubara explained that his administration’s recent actions were necessary to save the local government system from collapse.
He said, “We were confronted with a situation where the local governments were heading towards disaster. We had to act, and with the support of the people of Rivers State, we have salvaged the local councils.”
Fubara’s administration has been facing intense scrutiny, with detractors accusing him of taking extreme measures.
However, the governor maintains that his actions were in the best interest of the state.
He also reiterated his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing rumors that he was considering leaving the party.
“RSIEC Declares Results, Says Ballots Are Stronger Than Bullets”
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has declared the results of the October 5 local government elections.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd), the Chairman of RSIEC, announced that the Action People’s Party (APP) had won in 22 out of the 23 local government areas.
The Action Alliance (AA) candidate secured victory in Etche Local Government Area after a delayed announcement.
Enebeli stated that the election proved that the “ballot paper in the hands of the people is stronger than arms and ammunition.”
He emphasized that the electoral process was conducted fairly and transparently, with the lawful votes meeting the required two-thirds majority.
“Fubara Warns Council Chairmen: ‘Don’t Act Like Emperors'”
Governor Fubara, in his concluding remarks, issued a stern warning to the newly sworn-in council chairmen.
He cautioned them against seeing their new roles as opportunities for personal enrichment.
“Once you see yourself as an emperor because of the money in your pocket, you will fall,” Fubara warned.
The governor urged the chairmen to focus on serving their people and maintaining peace in their local government areas.
He added, “Work for your people, bring them in. When you work for the people, peace will follow.”
“Calls for Calm as Rivers Faces Uncertainty”
