Palpable anxiety has gripped Nigeria, especially the Federal Capital Territory, as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) delivers its much-awaited judgment on the election which was held on the 25th of February.
Africa Today News, New York had earlier reported that the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Mohammed Bangari, who confirmed the date on Monday, said live telecast of the judgment by interested Television stations would be allowed.
The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel of the court had on August 1, reserved judgment, after all parties adopted their final briefs of argument for and against the petitions.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are seeking to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku and Obi in their separate petitions marked CA/PEPC/05/2023 and CA/PEPC/03/2023 challenged both the declaration of Tinubu as president as well as the credibility of the conduct of the election.
Read Also: Tribunal Judgment: Why Tinubu Is Not Worried – Presidency
Investigations carried out yesterday across the nation revealed that security surveillance has been increased. We are aware of the increased unease in the nation, a senior security official told the Daily Sun in Lagos yesterday.
According to a source, there is a level 4 security alert in Abuja. Due to the higher potential of dangers that could be life-threatening, this is the highest advisory level.
The Police yesterday announced that they had increased security around the country, ostensibly to prevent a collapse in law and order following the tribunal’s decision.
Its spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, reiterated the commitment of the force to ensure safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgement.
According to him, diligent security measures have been taken to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.
He warned mischief-makers and political gladiators against misinformation and unguarded utterances.
He urged the public to be cautious in their actions and statements adding that the Police would not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy.
According to him, it is imperative for all citizens to be peaceful and calm regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.