Following the protest that greeted the recent judgements of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja that invalidated the mandates of some PDP National Assembly members from Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called for calm among the citizenry.
The governor on Wednesday acknowledged the profound disappointment felt by the people over the court’s verdicts, but called on citizens to remain calm.
DAILY POST recalls that youths in their thousands, from across the 17 LGAs, marched peacefully along the streets of Jos, with different placards expressing their displeasure over some recent Court of Appeal judgements that sacked six National Assembly lawmakers from the PDP, ordering a rerun in the Plateau North Senatorial Zone within 90 days.
Others had their certificates of return withdrawn and issued to candidates of the APC and Labour Party.
Mutfwang, in a press statement made available to journalists in Jos, the state Capital, by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Gyang Bere, emphasised that it is natural to be “distressed and devastated” when there is a feeling that their will has been truncated.
“Though the judgements haven’t gone as many envisaged,” the governor urged the people not to take the law into their hands.
According to him, “It has been brought to my knowledge that both partisan and non-partisan persons participated in the protest.
“I appeal for calm. I strongly urge the citizens of Plateau State not to take any steps that will adversely affect the relative peace we are enjoying today. Let’s not allow the feeling of disenchantment to degenerate into a breakdown of law and order,” he admonished.
Expressing unwavering faith in the judiciary, the governor assured the people that justice would prevail for the citizens of the state.
He encouraged the people to be optimistic amidst the prevailing challenges and to trust the judicial process.
The governor also noted that it was brought to his attention that some security personnel manhandled innocent persons.
He, however, acknowledged the significant contribution of various security personnel in ensuring there is peace in the state and urged them to be polite in controlling peaceful protesters.
Mutfwang urged the people, particularly supporters of the PDP, not to resort to vandalism but rather to place their trust and confidence in God Almighty, the supreme judge who presides over the universe.
He reiterated that as long as God remains on the throne, victory is certain.
The governor urged the citizens not to succumb to despair but to find solace in the knowledge that God is ever “watchful and active.”
Court of Appeal judgments: Gov Mutfwang calls for calm amid protest over sacking of PDP lawmakers
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