Tinubu tells Fubara to seek court resolution amid Rivers election crisis

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President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and adhere to the rule of law.

Following reports of arson and vandalism of public facilities after last Saturday’s local government elections, the President urged political actors to settle their disputes through the courts, stating, “Self-help has no place in a democratic system.”

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed the police to protect public facilities and “restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.”

The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu Decries Violence in Rivers, Directs Police to Provide Security to Local Government Offices,’ followed the local government elections in which the Action People’s Party (APP) dominated, winning 314 out of 319 councillorship seats across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), announced the results in Port Harcourt on Sunday, confirming that the APP secured 314 wards, while the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, and Young People’s Party each won one seat.

However, the Rivers State PDP, loyal to former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and the APC factions rejected the election results, claiming no election occurred on Saturday. The PDP vowed to challenge the outcome in court.

Despite the disputes, Governor Fubara, who has been at odds with Wike, swore in the newly elected council chairmen of the 23 local government areas.

This move heightened tensions in the state, with supporters of both factions occupying public facilities.

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Expressing concern over the escalating situation, the President’s statement conveyed his deep worry about reports of violence in Rivers State.

“He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions,” Onanuga said.

Tinubu reiterated the importance of safeguarding public institutions and maintaining peace. He emphasized that “government facilities built with public funds must be protected from vandalism” and stressed that after 25 years of continuous democracy, “self-help has no place in a democratic system.”

He urged all political disputes, including those arising from the recent election, to be resolved through the judiciary.