- Urges vigilance, calls for security measures
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Hon Frances Orogu, has issued a statement raising concerns about alleged plans to disrupt the governorship election petition tribunal proceedings scheduled for Thursday, September 14th, 2023, in Lafia, the state capital.
In his statement on Wednesday at his residence, Chairman Orogu pointed fingers at unnamed government officials, whom he described as “unscrupulous,” accusing them of orchestrating a scheme to create chaos and hinder the tribunal from performing its duties effectively.
The primary focus of these alleged plotters is to obstruct the tribunal from hearing the closing arguments presented by counsels involved in the case where Dr David Ombugadu contests the declaration of Engr. Audu Alhaji Sule as the governor of Nasarawa State following the last election. He added.
According to the information received, “these plans are believed to be originating from a farm located in the vicinity of Akwanga local government area.”
In response to these concerns, Hon Frances Orogu called upon security agencies, including the police and civil defence, to take immediate and necessary measures to prevent any untoward incidents on the crucial date of September 14th in Lafia.
Furthermore, Chairman Orogu appealed to all individuals contemplating such disruptive actions to recognize that Nasarawa State has a history of peace and unity and should remain so even as electoral disputes are resolved.
He urged PDP supporters, citizens, and well-wishers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals who may be plotting to incite violence or disturbance to the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba had described the allegation as false. He noted that peace and respect for the rule of law have remained key to the government of Engr. Sule and that no official of the state government will ever plot anything of the sort.
“Ironically it is the PDP that has been disrupting Tribunal seatings and causing unnecessary tension through its paid agents to carry out protests at the premises of the Tribunal and other locations in the state.
He further urged members of the public to disregard the allegation as it may be the imagination of the PDP Chairman or what his party is plotting to do, he added.