Protest erupted in different parts of Plateau state on Wednesday.
The protests came after the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja sacked all six National Assembly members from the state elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, including the Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon.
It was carried out by aggrieved youths drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state including women who blocked the Jos-Abuja highway, causing heavy traffic jams which left many travellers stranded.
There were also attempts by hoodlums to set ablaze the Court of Appeal complex in Jos but the intervention of some security agents saved the situation
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has pleaded for calm among citizens of the state following the protests
In a statement on Wednesday in Jos, Mutfwang acknowledged the profound disappointment felt by the people over the Appeal Court’s pronouncement but called for calm.
The statement signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said “He (Governor Mutfwang) emphasised that it is natural to be distressed and devastated when there is a feeling that their will has been truncated. Though the judgments haven’t gone as many envisaged from the outset, he urged the people not to take the law into their hands.
“Governor Mutfwang said it has been brought to his knowledge that both partisan and non-partisan persons participated in the protest and said, “I appeal for calm. I strongly urge the citizens of Plateau State not to take any steps that will adversely affect the relative peace we are enjoying today. Let’s not allow the feeling of disenchantment to degenerate into breakdown of law and order.”
“Expressing unwavering faith in the judiciary, Governor Mutfwang assured the people that justice would prevail for the citizens of Plateau State. He encouraged the people to be optimistic amidst the prevailing challenges and to trust the judicial process.
“The Governor also noted that it was brought to his attention that some security personnel manhandled innocent persons. He however acknowledged the significant contribution of various security personnel in ensuring there is peace in the state and urged them to be polite in controlling peaceful protesters.
“Governor Mutfwang urged the people, particularly supporters of the PDP not to resort to vandalism but rather to place their trust and confidence in God Almighty, the Supreme Judge who presides over the universe.
“He reiterated that as long as God remains on the throne, victory is certain. He urged the citizens not to succumb to despair but to find solace in the knowledge that God is ever watchful and active”.
