Palpable Fear, security alert in Abuja as tribunal decides Tinubu, Atiku, Obi’s fate
Palpable anxiety has gripped the country, especially the Federal Capital Territory, as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) delivers its much-awaited judgment on the February 25 election.
Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Mohammed Bangari, who confirmed the date on Monday, said live telecast of the judgment by interested Television stations would be allowed.
The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel of the court had on August 1, reserved judgment, after all parties adopted their final briefs of argument for and against the petitions.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are seeking to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku and Obi in their separate petitions marked CA/PEPC/05/2023 and CA/PEPC/03/2023 challenged both the declaration of Tinubu as president as well as the credibility of the conduct of the election.
Investigations conducted across the country, yesterday, showed that security surveillance has been stepped up. “We’re not unaware of the heightened apprehension in the country, a senior security chief told Daily Sun in Lagos, yesterday.
In Abuja, a source said there was a level 4 security alert. This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.
Apparently, to forestall the breakdown of law and order after the tribunal judgement, the Police, yesterday, confirmed that it had fortified security nationwide.
Its spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, reiterated the commitment of the force to ensure the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgement.
According to him, diligent security measures have been taken to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.
He warned mischief-makers and political gladiators against misinformation and unguarded utterances.
He urged the public to be cautious in their actions and statements adding that the Police would not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy.
According to him, it is imperative for all citizens to be peaceful and calm regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.
