Rivers Police storm LG councils, patrol secretariats

The Rivers State Police Command has initiated a state-wide confidence-building patrol in response to the recent surge in violence following the local government council elections.

Led by Commissioner CP Bala Mustapha, the patrol began in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (LGA) before moving to Obio/Akpor LGA, marking a proactive step towards restoring peace.

The police intervention comes after President Bola Tinubu’s directive to maintain law and order in the state amid reports of arson and explosions at several local government secretariats after the elections.

In a statement from his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders, and supporters to embrace peaceful solutions.

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the judiciary in resolving political disputes, stating, “Self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.”

His call for restraint underscores the need for calm while the authorities work to address the situation and prevent further unrest.