Police have warned supporters against violent protests ahead of the verdict on Governor Nasarawa’s appeal
The Nasarawa State Police Command has warned political parties and their supporters against any act of violence ahead of the Court of Appeal ruling on the state governorship election.
The state’s acting commissioner of police, DCP Shettima Muhammad, issued the warning during a press conference in Lafia on Monday.
He said the police, in coordination with other security agencies, had beefed up security across the state to prevent breakdown of law and order before and after the verdict is delivered soon.
“Security personnel have been deployed adequately at strategic locations in the state to maintain peace. I hereby call on the leaders of all political parties to urge their supporters to avoid careless statements that may cause political tension or engage in mass actions that may be perceived as preparation for a violent procession. They should also celebrate in a moderate way, without violating the fundamental rights of citizens.
“Any person or group who tries to disturb the peace and cause a breakdown of law and order will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
The acting PK assured of the Police’s commitment to ensuring adequate security for citizens and encouraged them to deal with legal matters and avoid activities that could disturb peace in the state.
On October 2, the Lafia Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, in a two-to-one split judgment, annulled the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule to the All Progressives Congress and declared David Umbugadu of the People’s Democratic Party as the winner of the governorship election.
Mr. Sule appealed against the ruling of the Court of Appeal tribunal, which heard on November 15, and the court reserved its judgment until a yet to be announced date.
(IN)
