Pandemonium in Jos as Police teargas sacked PDP lawmakers, Mutfwang imposes 24-hour curfew on Mangu
By Emma Ogbuehi
Police operatives on Tuesday teargassed the 16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the Plateau State House of Assembly sacked by the Court of Appeal.
The incident occurred as the lawmakers and their supporters were getting ready to resume plenary at the Rayfield Old Government House in Jos.
The Government House was overrun by police and other security personnel, who prevented the dismissed lawmakers from entering the House of Assembly’s Chambers.
However, the lawmakers promised not to leave the building.
TheNiche had earlier reported that following the vow by the sacked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the Plateau State House of Assembly to resume plenary today despite their sack by the Appeal Court, the Police Command beefed up security at the Assembly complex in Jos, the state capital.
Armed policemen were deployed to the Old Government House Jos venue of the sitting as early as 5am.
READ ALSO: Security beefed up as Plateau Assembly resumes plenary
The ousted 16 PDP legislators are relying on the Supreme Court judgment that overturned the decision of the lower court and reinstated Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the duly elected governor of the state.
Addressing reporters in Jos on Monday, January 22, the PDP members cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against approaching the House of Assembly, citing the Supreme Court’s pronouncement, which nullified the Court of Appeal’s judgment that led to their dismissal.
A source who pleaded anonymity told TheNiche by telephone on Tuesday that the confusion is caused by the judiciary.
“What is happening in Plateau Assembly is a shame. If this fragile democracy collapses, the Nigerian judiciary should be held responsible. The judiciary has thoroughly messed up the system and these Judges should be ashamed of themselves. If Plateau State erupts in crisis, the Justices of the Court of Appeal who gave this odious and perverse judgement sacking people legitimately elected by the electorate and imposing on them those without the mandate of the people should be held accountable.”
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on Tuesday, declared a 24-hour curfew on Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State due to the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Gyang Bere, the Governor’s spokesperson, in a statement explained that the move was to prevent breakdown of law and order in the local government following discussions with security agencies.
He urged residents to observe the sit-at-home directive while only those who must travel inside the local government area for urgent needs are permitted to do so.
The Governor bemoaned the fact that in spite of government attempts to curtail terror elements’ activities, certain persons remain determined to sow seeds of fear throughout the state.
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