Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has urged Nigerians to remain calm in the aftermath of protests prompted by recent Appeal Court orders invalidating the mandates of PDP National Assembly members in the state.
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the people’s profound sadness with the Appeal Court’s decision in a statement issued on Wednesday in Jos, but urged calm.
In a statement issued by the director of press and public affairs, Mr Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang emphasized that it is natural for people to be distressed and devastated when they believe their will has been shattered. Though the Judgements did not go as planned, he implored the people not to take the law into their own hands.
Governor Mutfwang stated, “I appeal for calm.” It has been brought to his attention that both party and non-partisan individuals participated in the demonstration. I strongly advise Plateau State residents not to take any actions that will jeopardise the relative tranquilly we currently enjoy. Let us not allow disillusionment to devolve into a collapse of law and order.”
Governor Mutfwang expressed unflinching faith in the courts and assured the people of Plateau State that justice will prevail. He advised people to be positive in the face of the current hardships and to trust the judicial process.
The Governor further stated that it had been brought to his attention that certain security personnel had mistreated innocent people. He did, however, recognise the enormous effort of various security forces to safeguarding the state’s tranquilly and advised them to be courteous in regulating nonviolent demonstrators.
Governor Mutfwang asked the people, particularly PDP supporters, not to resort to vandalism, but rather to put their trust in God Almighty, the Supreme Judge who rules over the globe.
He reiterated that triumph is assured as long as God is on the throne. He advised the residents not to despair, but to find comfort in the knowledge that God is always watching and engaged.