Massive protests erupted in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Sunday, following the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, against Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Appellant Court had in a unanimous judgement nullified the election of the Governor Mutfwang over the PDP’s lack of structure and non-obedience of a Court order as at the time of his nomination for the March 18 governorhip election in the State.
Before the judgement on Sunday, security was heightened in all the strategic locations in the state capital with stern-looking security personnel seen at the major street junctions.
However, immediately after the news of the judgement broke out, tension enveloped the state as people were seen in groups discussing the development.
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In Jos South LGA, youths supporting PDP thronged Gyel Roundabout in large numbers to register their displeasure over the judgement.
A similar protest was also recorded in Angwan Rukuba junction in Jos North and Riyom LGAs of the state capital.
Speaking to our correspondent during the protests, a youth leader from Mangu LGA, Hon. Pankyes Yamsat, said they have decided to come out to protest the judgement of the Appeal Court, which sacked their governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
“The mandate of the people of Plateau has been stolen and we call on the Supreme Court to ensure justice is served with the view to reverse the judgement of the Appeal Court for peace to reign in the state,” he stated.
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Meanwhile, the embattled Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has described the verdict of the Appeal Court that nullified his election as a temporary setback that will not deter him from repositioning the state on the path of unity, peace and progress.
He expressed strong optimism that the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the people of Plateau State would be restored, as he has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.
Mutfwang in a statement signed by his director of press and public affairs, Gyang Bere, admonished citizens of the state and supporters of the PDP to remain calm even as he assured them that as long as God remains on the throne, the mandate of the people will be preserved and protected.
He reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and assured the people that there is light at the end of the tunnel, as he has unwavering faith in the judiciary and the constitution of Nigeria.
Governor Mutfwang concluded with a strong appeal to supporters, as well as citizens of the state to maintain law and order. He affirmed that Plateau will be victorious to the glory of God and reassured of his commitment to continually serve the state with dedication and integrity.
On its part, the State chapter of the APC, in their reaction to the victory of Nentawe in a statement issued in Jos by the party’s state publicity secretary, Sylvanus Namang, called on all its members to celebrate the victory with utmost modesty and decorum.
According to Namang, the acrimony and disaffection which prevailed in the wake of the appeal should be put behind them as Plateau State was reduced to a laughing stock, which is most regrettable.
The statement called on security agencies in the state to be on red alert and vigilant to avert any act of breakdown of law and order while commending the Court of Appeal Judges for their meticulous, impartial and very professional handling of the appeal.