Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, remains resolute in the wake of protests that erupted in Lafia, the state capital, following the Supreme Court’s recent decision affirming him as the legitimate governor. The apex court’s ruling voided the Appeal Court’s nullification of his election.
Governor Sule, accompanied by former governors Abdullahi Adamu and Tanko Al-Makura, spoke to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Friday. He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s judgment is final, stating, “Protests or no protests will not change anything. The Supreme Court has already passed its judgment.”
The unanimous decision by a five-member panel at the Supreme Court upheld Sule, a member of the All Progressives Congress, as the winner of the governorship election held on March 18, 2023. Despite this legal validation, discontent surfaced among some residents, particularly supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, David Ombugadu.
The protests led to road blockades, including the Lafia-Jos Road, where demonstrators reportedly burned tires in front of the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, diverting traffic to alternative routes.
Governor Sule acknowledged dissenting opinions but commended the justice system for ensuring “fairness without undue interference.” He highlighted the maturity demonstrated by his party during their loss at the tribunal, stating, “That is the level of maturity that you will see from one political party or the other.”
Urging unity among citizens regardless of political affiliations, Governor Sule emphasized Nasarawa State’s economic potential, citing commercial mineral discoveries and a thriving agriculture sector. He underscored the state’s significance in the North Central region and called for cooperation for the state’s progress.
Details on the ongoing protests will be provided as the situation unfolds.