Plateau Governor calls for calm amid protests over Court of Appeal judgments sacking PDP lawmakers

In the wake of protests that followed the recent judgments of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which invalidated the mandates of certain PDP National Assembly members from Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has appealed for calm among the citizens.

Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the profound disappointment felt by the people regarding the court’s verdict but called on citizens to remain peaceful.

Reports indicate that thousands of youths from the 17 local government areas marched peacefully through the streets of Jos, displaying various placards to express their discontent with some recent Court of Appeal judgments. These judgments resulted in the removal of six National Assembly lawmakers from the PDP and ordered a rerun in the Plateau North Senatorial Zone within 90 days. Certificates of return were also withdrawn from some lawmakers and issued to candidates from the APC and Labour Party.

In a press statement released in Jos, the state capital, by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang emphasized that it is natural to feel “distressed and devastated” when it appears that their will has been thwarted.

While acknowledging that the judgments did not align with the expectations of many, the governor urged the people not to take matters into their own hands.

He stated, “It has come to my attention that both partisan and non-partisan individuals participated in the protests. I appeal for calm. I strongly urge the citizens of Plateau State not to take any steps that will negatively affect the relative peace we are currently enjoying. Let’s not allow our sense of disenchantment to deteriorate into a breakdown of law and order.”

Governor Mutfwang expressed unwavering faith in the judiciary and assured the people that justice would ultimately prevail in Plateau State. He encouraged the citizens to remain optimistic despite the challenges they face and to trust in the judicial process.

The governor also noted reports of security personnel mishandling innocent individuals during the protests. While he acknowledged the significant contributions of various security personnel in maintaining peace in the state, he urged them to handle peaceful protesters with courtesy.

Mutfwang implored the people, especially PDP supporters, not to resort to vandalism but instead to place their trust and confidence in God Almighty, the supreme judge who presides over the universe. He emphasized that as long as God remains in control, victory is assured.

The governor urged the citizens not to yield to despair but to take comfort in the knowledge that God is ever “watchful and active.”