On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Nigerian Court of Appeal will issue its decision regarding the nation's petition for the presidential election, which challenges the election of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku Abubakar, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP), and Peter Obi, a candidate for the Labour Party, started the petition. After the nation's national elections, Mr. Atiku and M. Obi turned to the court to find redress for what they saw as election irregularities.
After a protracted legal battle, the jury has decided to conclude the case today. Before the decision on the election petitions challenging President Bola Tinubu's election was delivered on Wednesday( today), there was heavy security deployment at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal as well as other flashpoints and dark spots in Abuja, according to a report by The Punch newspaper. Atiku Abubakar, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi, a candidate for the Labour Party — and President Tinubu— were eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Even as they expressed hope that the decision would favor their individuals, petitioners' supporters have been exchanging brickbats online. Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress was elected president-elect on March 1 by the Independent National Electoral Commission's chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, after receiving 8.8 million votes to fight Atiku, the PDP standard-bearer, 6.9 million voters, Obi, an LP candidate, and 15 other candidates.
However, five of the 18 political events that took part in the elections questioned the polls' results. The Action Alliance, Action People's Party, and Allied Peoples Movement were additional offended parties in addition to the PDP and the LP. Atiku and Obi, the two main contenders, requested that the court overturn the former governor of Lagos' victory in the presidential election on February 25. The officials deployed a large number of security personnel across the FCT on Monday in advance of the proceedings.
Truckloads of policemen were brought to the Court of Appeal at around 6.50 p.m., and various police officers patrolled the city in vehicles while barricading the court entrance. Soon after being brought to the courthouse, a police team was seen following orders from their bosses. A judge employee observed that security personnel may be heavily present throughout the courthouse in the memo that was sent to the staff warning them not to report to work on Wednesday.
The official stated that there would be a significant presence of security personnel at key locations on the court premises, which is one of the reasons workers were advised not to arrive tomorrow( today).'' According to our journalist, exposure to the courtroom would be strictly regulated and lawyers and litigants could be frisked before entering.
Numerous officials could be seen in various locations throughout the area, including the Three Arms Zone, Julius Berger, Area One, and Wuse. Along the Federal Secretariat, Muhammadu Buhari Way, and Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, police patrol cars could also be seen traveling. Before the court proceedings started, it was gathered that the police may also barricade all major streets leading to the Court of Appeal.
According to a senior security expert, Olukayode Egbetokun, the acting inspector general of police, had instructed all police formations and commands across the nation to secure all significant hotspots to prevent law and order from breaking down. Additionally, it was discovered that the officers deployed agents and supplies covertly across the country, particularly in Lagos State and Abuja. According to reports, the officials are worried about a potential uprising that could be started by disgruntled political figures.
"Everyone is worried," she said. Anxious parties include the police, military, DSS, and people. All security agencies are under a lot of pressure because there is an ongoing strike and the PEPT ruling is scheduled for tomorrow( Wednesday). According to a senior officer, this is because some lawmakers and organizations might want to take advantage of the PEPT ruling's disfavoritism of them or their preferred candidate to organize demonstrations or commit acts of violence. The police claimed they had implemented all required deployments and security measures in anticipation of the judgment's potential repercussions. The power also made it clear that all of its officers and soldiers were ready to uphold law and order while respecting everyone's rights and liberties. "Mischief makers and political gladiators should be cautious in their actions and statements," the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, warned in a statement on Tuesday. "
The NPF added that in order to maintain a tranquil and secure environment, all citizens must embrace peace and maintain calm, regardless of their political affiliations. It further stated that it would not condone acts that could incite violence or descend into anarchy. The Nigeria Police Force has increased its implementation across the entire country, according to Adejobi, in an effort to strengthen security architecture and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the nation as a result of the upcoming Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Judgment, which is expected to be passed on September 6, 2023.
The Police want to reaffirm their dedication to protecting people's lives and property both before, during, and after the assessment. The NPF also strongly advises everyone to exercise caution in their actions and statements, including social gladiators and troublemakers, as the Force may not support any behavior that could lead to violence or anarchy.
Regardless of political affiliations, it is essential for all citizens to uphold peace and calm in order to preserve a safe and relaxing environment. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to performing its duties of defending and serving the people of Nigeria with professionalism, objectivity, and the utmost devotion. Together, we can make sure that everyone has a safe and calm environment during this time. No fair court would order another election, according to Reno Omokri, an Atiku supporter who worked as former President Goodluck Jonathan's media aide.
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