‘Don’t trigger unrest’ — police warn political parties in Nasarawa ahead of A’court judgement

The police in Nasarawa have warned political parties and their supporters against any act of violence ahead of the court of appeal judgement on the governorship election in the state. 

Shettima Muhammad, acting commissioner of police in the state, issued the warning during a press conference on Monday in Lafia, the state capital.

Muhammad said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have beefed up security across the state in order to forestall the breakdown of law and order before and after the court ruling.

“Security personnel have been adequately deployed to strategic locations in the state to maintain peace,” he said.

“I, hereby call on leaders of all political parties to prevail on their supporters to shun unguarded utterances that may trigger political tension or engage in mass action that may be seen as preparation for violent procession.

“They should also celebrate moderately without infringing on the fundamental rights of members of the public.

“Anyone or group that tries to disrupt peace and cause breakdown of law and order shall face the full wrath of the law.”

The acting CP assured that the police is committed to providing adequate security for residents and encouraged them to go about their legitimate businesses and avoid acts capable of disrupting peace in the state.

On October 2, the governorship election petition tribunal in Lafia nullified the election of Abdullahi Sule as governor of the state.

The tribunal declared David Umbugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the governorship election.

Sule had challenged the ruling of the tribunal at the appeal court.

After hearing the appeal on November 15, the court reserved judgment to a date yet to be announced.