The Nigerian Police Force has released a statement ahead of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal PEPT Judgment on Wednesday, alerting Nigerians that it has deployed more of its personnel across the country, while also warning mischief makers against misinformation.
The statement which was released on Tuesday 5th September 2023, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned politicians and mischief makers against misinformation and unguided utterances capable of inciting violence as the country awaits the PEPT judgment on Wednesday.
The police said deployment across the length and breadth of Nigeria have been strengthened to forestall law and order in the country.
“The Police wish to reiterate the commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgment,” Adejobi said.
“The NPF has diligently emplaced all necessary deployments and security measures during this critical period as officers and men are fully prepared to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”
The police “strongly cautions all individuals, including mischief makers and political gladiators, to be cautious in their actions and statements as the Force will not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy”.
The police urged citizens to embrace peace and maintain calm, regardless of their political affiliations.
Earlier on Monday, the Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Bangari, said the Tribunal will deliver its judgments on the cases before it challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu, the then candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25, 2023 poll.
The court also said the proceedings will be open to live broadcast by interested television stations.
Tinubu’s election is being challenged by Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Atiku, a former Vice President, came second in the keenly contested poll; while Obi, an ex-governor of Anambra State, came third.
See the full statement by the Police on PETP Judgment
“PRESS RELEASE PEPT JUDGMENT: NPF STRENGHTENS DEPLOYMENT, REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PROTECTION OF LIVES, PROPERTY
Warns Mischief Makers Against Misinformation, Unguided Utterances
In its bid to fortify security architecture and forestall any breakdown of law and order across the country as a result of the forthcoming Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Judgment scheduled to be passed on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its deployment across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
The Police wish to reiterate the commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgement. The NPF has diligently emplaced all necessary deployments and security measures during this critical period as officers and men are fully prepared to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
Furthermore, the NPF strongly cautions all individuals, including mischief makers and political gladiators, to be cautious in their actions and statements as the Force will not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy.
It is imperative for all citizens to embrace peace and maintain calm, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment. The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to its duty of protecting and serving the Nigerian people and is committed to carrying out these roles with professionalism, impartiality, and utmost dedication.
Together, we can ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all during this period”