BREAKING: Plateau boils over Appeal Court’s sack of governor Muftwang

Massive protest erupted in Jos the Plateau state capital following the victory of the APC gubernatorial candidate Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe against (PDP) governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Court of Appeal Tribunal in Abuja.

The judgment preceded with anger in Jos, Plateau State capital

The judgment sacking Muftwang was delivered on Sunday.

The Appellant Court had in a unanimous judgement nullified the election of the the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang mainly over the PDP’s lack of structure and non adherence of Court Orders.

Before the judgement which was slated for 12 noon Sunday, security has been beefed up in all the strategic locations in the state capital with stern looking security personel seen on the major street junctions.

At the premises of Court of Appeal Jos Division an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed to prevent any break down o law an order .

However, immediately after the news of the judgment filtered in tension enveloped the state as people were seen in groups discussing the development.

In Jos South LGA PDP youths in their large numbers and their supporters thronged Gyel roundabout to register their displeasure over the judgement.
Similar protest was also recorded in Angwan Rukubu junction in Jos North and Riyom LGA of the state capital.

Speaking to our correspondent during the protest Hon. Pankyes Yamsat youth leader from Mangu LGA said they have decided to come out to protest the judgement of the Appeal Court which sacked their governor Caleb Mutfwang.

He explained that the people of the state voted Caleb Mutfwang who is the people’s choice but their mandate has been truncated at The Appeal Court .

“The mandate of the people of Plateau has been stolen and call on the Supreme Court to ensure justice is served with the view to revert the judgement of Appeal Court for peace to reign in the state.

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has described the verdict of the Appeal Court that nullified his election as a temporary setback that will not deter him from repositioning the state on the path of Unity, Peace and Progress.

He expressed strong optimism that the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the people of Plateau State would be restored, as he has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.

Mutfwang in a statement signed by the director of press and public affairs Gyang Bere, admonished citizens of the state and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm and assured them that as long as God remains on the throne, the mandate of the people will be preserved and protected.

He reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and assured the people that there is light at the end of the tunnel, as he has unwavering faith in the judiciary and the constitution of Nigeria.

Governor Mutfwang concluded with a strong appeal to supporters, as well as citizens of the state to maintain law and order. He affirmed that Plateau will be victorious to the glory of God and reassured of his commitment to continually to serve the state with dedication and integrity.

But Plateau chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their reaction on the victory of Nentawe in a statement issued in Jos by the party state publicity secretary Sylvanus Namang called on all its members to celebrate the victory with utmost modesty and decorum.

According to Namang the acrimony and disaffection which prevailed in the wake of appeals should be put behind them as Plateau state was reduced to a laughing stock which is most regrettable.

The statement called on security agencies in the state to be on red alert and vigilant to avert any acts of break down of law and order while commended the Court of Appeal Court Judges for their meticulous, impartial and very professional handling of the Appeal.