Heavy security in Abuja as tribunal decides Tinubu, Obi, Atiku’s fate

The Inspector General of Police of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed seven DIGs, five AIGs and hundreds of anti-riot police officers across the FCT as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) delivers its much-awaited judgment on the February 25 election today, Wednesday September 6.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are seeking to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Apparently to forestall breakdown of law and order after the tribunal judgment, the Police, yesterday, confirmed that it had fortified security nationwide.

In Abuja, a source said there was a level 4 security alert. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.

Its spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, reiterated the commitment of the force to ensure safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgment.

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According to him, diligent security measures have been taken to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.

He warned mischief-makers and political gladiators against misinformation and unguarded utterances.

He urged the public to be cautious in their actions and statements adding that the Police would not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy.

According to him, it is imperative for all citizens to be peaceful and calm regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.

Members of the PDP, yesterday, converged on the Chapel inside its National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, for fasting and prayer session for a “favourable judgment.”

Former Adamawa governor, Boni Haruna, while speaking at the programme, said he believed God would make it possible for the PDP to recover its “mandate” through the tribunal.

On her part, the PDP Director of Publicity and coordinator of PDP Christian  Religion Body 2023, Chinwe Nnorom, said that it was not a coincidence that the prayer and fasting of the party, which started long before now, was climaxing on the eve of the judgment.

Reacting, LP drew the attention of the public and democratic watchers to some unfolding developments ahead of judgment.

READ ALSO: Election Tribunal: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others to adopt final briefs Tuesday

According to the party, the “unguarded statement” from the former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Mary Odili in Abuja last week at a colloquium to mark the 25th anniversary of the elevation of a renowned jurist, JK Gadzama to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and the boasting of some persons, serving ministers and notable legislators about the outcome had left our party in shock.

LP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, noted that it was unfortunate and dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic journey as a nation, when those who should know the importance of the sanctity of the judiciary descend to the arena of abusing it with their preemptive utterances just to show loyalty and support to their interests.

“We find this extremely undignified of a renowned jurist who rose to the peak of her career in the country’s apex court and who as the chairperson of the Body of Benchers, should be at the forefront of defending the virtuousness of the courts.

“We are aware of the efforts of the agents of the states to orchestrate problems and blame them on the political opposition. We wish to emphasise that it is the right of the people in a democracy to demonstrate and the obligation of state security agents to protect the demonstrators and those not demonstrating.”

The party, however, implored Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful and abide by the rule of law.