There is palpable tension in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as residents await the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) judgement scheduled for Wednesday.
This is as the Nigeria Police and the military have strengthened deployment within the territory with police and military check-points mounted in strategic areas.
The DSS, on Monday, raised the alarm over alleged plot by individuals and groups to stage violent protests across the country in order to discredit the federal government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.
The plot may not be unconnected with the expected PEPT judgement.
“Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action,” the Service disclosed in a press statement by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Peter Afunanya.
The secret police warned those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps, stating that, “This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans.”
On his part, confirming the deployment of additional police officers to forestall breakdown of law and order as a result of the tribunal judgement, Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a press statement, Tuesday in Abuja, said: “In its bid to fortify security architecture and forestall any breakdown of law and order across the country as a result of the forthcoming Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Judgment scheduled to be passed on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strengthened its deployment across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
“The Police wish to reiterate the commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgement.
“The NPF has diligently emplaced all necessary deployments and security measures during this critical period as officers and men are fully prepared to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
“Furthermore, the NPF strongly cautions all individuals, including mischief makers and political gladiators, to be cautious in their actions and statements as the Force will not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy. “It is imperative for all citizens to embrace peace and maintain calm, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.
“The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to its duty of protecting and serving the Nigerian people and is committed to carrying out these roles with professionalism, impartiality, and utmost dedication. Together, we can ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all during this period,” the statement mentions read.
Our correspondent reports military presence on some major roads including opposite Kugbo Mechanic Village along the Nyanya-Aya axis which is one of the entry points into the FCT; just as another military check points was also cited along the Karu-Jikwoyi-Karshi axis, which also an entry point into the FCT.
These check points, Blueprint reports stalled traffic causing traffic congestion as the military personnel scrutinised passengers, mostly in commercial vehicles along the route.
Expectation is that the tribunal judgement would be acceptable to all the parties involved, and they would impress it on their supporters and party stalwarts not to be involved in disorderly conduct.
Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent harped on the need for the political actors to accept the tribunal’s verdict and impress it on their supporters to do the same.
According to Elijah Iziogu, a resident of Karu, “As far as I am concerned, the election has been won and lost. So, in the interest of the country, those who lost should accept defeat and return to the drawing board to ensure the abetted outing at the next elections.
“Four years may seem long, but before you know it, we will be talking about another presidential election. It is only people who are alive that can run for office. So, they should just move on.”
Similarly, Alex Itodo, a civil servant, told Blueprint correspondent, “I can’t wait for the tribunal to stop sitting. It has been so stressful going to work judgement when they are in session. The situation was made even worse with the deployment of soldiers.
“So, for the sake of peace and the unity of Nigeria as a country, I pray that there will be no unrest over the tribunal’s judgement. We are going through a lot on the economic front to add more to our troubles.”
