There is an uneasy calm in Kano, Plateau and Zamfara states as officials, political party leaders and residents anxiously await the Supreme Court pronouncements today on the governorship appeals before it.
The governors of Plateau and Kano states had their elections voided by the Appeal Court, which also ordered a rerun in some constituencies in Zamfara State.
Although the residents went about their daily businesses, suspense pervaded the political class, especially in the Government Houses, where the officials were concerned about their continued stay in office.
The Supreme Court will determine who will continue as the governor of Kano State between Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Government activities were still on as the minister for trade, industry and investments, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, was received at Government House. However, the governor was represented by his chief of staff, Wada Sagagi, at the interactive session with stakeholders.
RELATED: Supreme Court Judgment: Plateau PDP Declares Fasting, Prayers As APC Calls For Calm
The minister later met with the deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
Several individuals told LEADERSHIP Friday they would remain indoors and would not allow their children to go to school today to avoid whatever would follow the decision of the Supreme Court.
Some of those who responded said that they were afraid that whatever the Supreme Court decides, there is still likelihood that the peace of the state would be affected.
However, the Kano Police Command has assured the general public of safety before, during and after the Supreme Court judgement.
Commissioner of Police Mohammed Usain Gumel stated this during an interaction with media outfits in the state on Thursday evening.
“We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security at all flashpoints including political parties’ offices, the State Government House, INEC HQ, banks/commercial areas, mosques, churches, recreation centres and motor parks before, during and after the judgement.
“I am giving 100 percent assurance to all law-abiding residents of the state to go about freely with their daily activities without threat to lives and property”, the commissioner said.
He further explained that operational orders with specific roles to all the security personnel had been issued to Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and the divisional police officers across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He called on residents to keep cooperating with the armed security personnel and to share actionable intelligence information on any person or group planning to disrupt the peace or embark on violent protests before and after the Supreme Court judgement.
The situation was not different in Jos, the Plateau State capital and its environs as politicians and other residents were engrossed on who the apex court verdict between Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his rival Nentawe Yitwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Although the roads were busy with motorists going about their routines, there was apprehension in the Government House.
The markets, shops and newspaper stands enjoyed patronage as people gathered to argue and discuss headlines in some of the national dailies on what would be the outcome of the Supreme Court sitting today.
Meanwhile, the supporters of APC and the PDP have turned to prayer warriors for divine intervention in their favour.
The state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Chris Hassan, asked his members to offer prayers and to abstain from food for a favourable judgement.
Hassan, in a statement issued in Jos and signed by his personal assistant on media and protocol, Kefas Sumdi, said the party looked up to God in this moment.
According to the statement, “The prayer and fasting became necessary for God to intervene in the litigation battle as the mandate of the party led by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang will be affirmed by His Grace”.
Hassan called on party members to be focused, calm and not to panic but “in everything with prayer and supplication, let request be made unto God.”
In the same vein, the APC in Plateau State has called on all its members, supporters and well-wishers to be calm and refrain from any act contrary to the culture of maintaining decorum and peace in all their conducts.
APC, in a statement signed and issued in Jos by the state publicity secretary, Sylvanus Namang, said whatever direction the decision of the Apex Court goes, the APC which has been a respecter of the rule of law and a strong believer in the judicial system would welcome the outcome in good faith.
He enjoined security agencies in the state to be extra vigilant to ensure that law and order is maintained, adding that the party wishes to restate its position on the respect for constitutionalism and rule of law which are sacrosanct for democracy and good governance.
Similarly, the former senator representing Plateau south Jeremiah Timbut Useni has called on the people of Plateau both within and outside the PDP to remain calm and law abiding.
Lt Gen Jeremiah Useni said regardless of the direction of the judgement, the peace and unity of Plateau State should be their paramount interest.
He called on political leaders to desist from dishonorable and sharp practices within the political parties system which affect democratic principles.
Also, anxiety was high in Zamfara State over the expected outcome of the Supreme Court verdict.
LEADERSHIP Friday observed that residents gathered in groups to discuss the anticipated verdict.
The chairman of the state chapter of the APC, Hon Tukur Umar Danfulani urged the party leaders, members and supporters to remain calm and law abiding on the outcome of today’s Supreme Court ruling on the state’s last governorship election before it between the APC and the PDP.
A statement issued by Yusuf Idris said this was sequel to the meeting with security agencies in the state as anyone caught with any form of arms or weapon before or after the judgement will face the full wrath of the law.
“We are calling on all our party supporters especially the Youth Wing to remain law abiding and be prayerful for the success of the APC,” the statement added.
The Police drafted patrol teams to some hot spots.
Apex Court Reserves Judgment In Ogun Appeal
The Supreme Court has reserved judgement in the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the March 18, Ogun State governorship election, Ladi Adebutu.
In the appeal, Adebutu is seeking the nullification of the declaration of Dapo Abiodun as winner of the election.
Specifically, he is challenging Abiodun’s re-election on the ground that the Electoral Act, 2022 was not adhered to, citing corrupt practices and issue of non-qualification.
Specifically, PDP and Adebutu want the Supreme Court to set aside and dismiss the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, which on November 23, affirmed the decision of the Tribunal in upholding Abiodun’s victory.
Recall that two judges of the lower court had dismissed the appeal filed by Adebutu for lacking in merit, while Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang saw merit in the petition and thereby ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return presented to Abiodun and conduct another election in 99 polling units where elections were disrupted.
