Independent observers have attributed the violence and arson that erupted following Rivers State's recently concluded local government elections to Governor Siminalayi Fubara's refusal to adhere to court orders.

According to TalkTalk Nigeria, the controversial elections took place on Saturday, despite a court order that prohibited law enforcement agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from participating.

Many stakeholders in the state, particularly supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, protested the elections, demanding that the court ruling be respected.

However, the election was held in the midst of a series of violent skirmishes, which resulted in the deaths of some innocent civilians, as well as the burning of a local government headquarters.

At a news conference in Abuja on Friday, the Independent Election Monitoring Group declared that the election was marred by "widespread irregularities, including the lack of election materials and the non-use of electoral registers,"

Addressing journalists, the group's executive director, Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, stated: "The state's political crisis will only intensify if immediate efforts are not taken to restore order, accountability, and respect for democratic norms.

"The use of arson as a tool for political intimidation is not only wrong, but also dangerous because it has the potential to expand into a larger confrontation. If left unchecked, this governance trend has the potential to destroy Rivers State's remaining democratic practices.

"It is absolutely critical that Governor Fubara and his administration give peace a shot by embracing discussion, obeying court orders, and upholding democratic values.

"For the future of Rivers State, and indeed Nigeria's democratic experiment, it is crucial that stakeholders at all levels work together to address the deep-seated issues that have emerged from this election."