Tight Security overrides Abuja ahead of Tribunal ruling

The world watches, Nigeria watches as the Court is set to give its ruling on the election tribunal petitions by opposition parties in protest against the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as winner of the February 2023 polls.

Security has been significantly ramped up in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the nation awaits the verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

The tribunal, headed by Justice Haruna Tsammani, is set to deliver its judgment today, with the outcome having far-reaching implications for the country.

The case revolves around the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25th presidential poll.

His main challengers, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), have petitioned the court to nullify the election results and call for a rerun.

In anticipation of the verdict, security measures have been intensified across key areas of the FCT.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, where the proceedings will be held, saw a significant presence of security personnel as early as Tuesday night.

Truckloads of policemen were reported to have been deployed to barricade the court entrance, with officers seen taking instructions from their superiors.

To further enhance security, armed riot policemen, personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and plainclothes security operatives have been stationed at strategic locations in the FCT. Police patrol vehicles have also been actively patrolling the city.

Major roads leading to the Court of Appeal have been blocked off by the police, ensuring tight control over access to the premises.

Workers at the court have been advised not to come to work on Wednesday due to the heavy security presence.

Lawyers and litigants may undergo security checks before entering the courtroom, as authorities take precautionary measures to maintain order.

Considering the potential for unrest following the judgment, Acting Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun has issued orders for all police commands and formations nationwide to secure major hotspots under their jurisdiction.

This preemptive action aims to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement cautioning against incitement and unrest.

He emphasized the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property and called on all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, to embrace peace and maintain calm during this critical period.

The nation remains on edge as it awaits the outcome of the tribunal’s judgment, with security agencies working diligently to maintain peace and security in the country.