Protest Rocks Nasarawa Over Tribunal Judgement

Protesters, yesterday, stormed the streets of Lafia, Nasarawa State over the outcome of the recent verdict of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) which sacked Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The protesters converged around Lafia roundabout at about 10:am bearing placards with inscriptions such as “We reject the charade by Justice Ezekiel Ajayi in the name of judgement”, “NBA should urgently investigate Justice Ajayi for miscarriage of justice”, “Ajayi and Justice for sale” among others.

While some protesters marched to Makurdi Road, others marched through Jos Road before converging  at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat along Shendam Road.

The tribunal, in a split judgement of 2-1 read by Justice Ajayi, sacked Governor Sule and declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, David Ombugadu as winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state.

However, a minority ruling by Justice Ibrahim Mashi struck out the petition by Ombugadu and his party and upheld the election of Governor Sule.

The protesters frowned at the judgement even as they urged the NBA and other appropriate bodies to investigate the decision.

Speaking to journalists during the peaceful protest, a youth leader in the state, Abdullahi Igbo, claimed the tribunal erred in law by declaring Ombugadu winner of the March 18 governorship election even when that was not among the prayers and outcome sought by the petitioners.

He said even after the re-collation of votes in disputed wards, the incumbent governor was still in the lead.

“We were therefore surprised that the tribunal chairman went ahead to give victory to the PDP despite the glaring anomaly on their part.”

On his part, a special assistant to the governor, Adamu Musa Alkali, expressed optimism that justice would be served at the Appeal Court.

He urged APC supporters to remain calm even though the tribunal “committed a monumental error in declaring the PDP candidate as winner of the poll”.

PDP Criticises Attempts To Infuse Religious 

Meanwhile, Concerned PDP Muslim Leaders in the state criticised alleged attempts to infuse religious sentiment in the verdict of the PEPT.

Spokesman of the delegation, Ja’afaru Ibrahim, who stated this while briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, alleged that there are ongoing efforts by some individuals “particularly those outside our state, to initiate discussions around religion capable of inflating tension and igniting undue passion.”

He called on politicians to refrain from seeking to use religious leaders and tendencies to influence the legal proceedings.

Ibrahim said attempts to involve religion and religious leaders in the Nasarawa judicial process comes with the risks of compromising the integrity of the nation’s legal system, undermining the rule of law, and upholding impunity.

He, however, urged all politicians, irrespective of their affiliations, to refrain from seeking to use religious leaders and tendencies to influence the legal proceedings and its outcome or incite an otherwise peaceful people until the last four years of APC rule in the state that is ebbing to hoist the flag of discord as achievement.

“Instead, let us all respect the principles of fairness and impartiality that is the cornerstone of our legal system.”

He reiterated the commitment of the leader to pray for peace, unity, and justice in the state, and nation. 

“We encourage all politicians and especially our friends in the APC to resolve any differences amicably or by legal means and to respect the decisions of our judicial institutions rather than whipping up religious sentiments,” Ibrahim stated. 

He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his plans, policies, and promises of reforms, praying for the country and wishing the leaders well in the discharge of their services to the nation.

“We are all witnesses to the fact that on Monday, 2nd October, 2023, the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal gave its judgement on the outcome of the election, which nullified the election of governor Abdullahi Sule and returned Dr. David Ombugadu as the duly elected governor of our dear state. 

“As leaders, we are more interested in the unity, peace, and security of all the citizens of Nasarawa State irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations, whether in our party or without.

“However, It has come to our attention that there are ongoing efforts by some individuals, particularly those outside our state, to initiate discussions around religion capable of inflating tension and igniting undue passion,” he added