Police warn against unguarded utterances ahead of presidential tribunal judgment

The Nigeria police have warned against the spread of misinformation and unguarded utterances ahead of the presidential tribunal judgment on Wednesday.

On Monday, the tribunal fixed Wednesday, for ruling on the petitions challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 election.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have approached the tribunal to challenge Tinubu’s victory.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, in a statement on Tuesday, said the force “will not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy”.

He said the police have deployed officers across the country to forestall any breakdown of law and order as a result of the outcome of the ruling.

“The Nigeria police force has strengthened its deployment across the length and breadth of Nigeria. The police wish to reiterate the commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgement,” the statement reads.

“The NPF has diligently emplaced all necessary deployments and security measures during this critical period as officers and men are fully prepared to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

“Furthermore, the NPF strongly cautions all individuals, including mischief makers and political gladiators, to be cautious in their actions and statements as the Force will not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy.

“It is imperative for all citizens to embrace peace and maintain calm, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.”

Earlier today, Tukur Gusau, the director of information at the defence headquarters (DHQ), warned those who might be grooming the idea of violence on Wednesday to discard it

Gusau added that the army in collaboration with other security agencies would not fold its arms and allow anyone to instigate trouble.