A mild political unrest is currently brewing in Plateau State as operatives of the Nigerian Police rained teargas on sacked lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The incident occurred on Tuesday as the lawmakers and their supporters enter the premised to resume plenary sessions at the House of Assembly’s Chambers at Rayfield Old Government House in Jos.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that they arrived earlier than the rest of the House accompanied by their supporters at the Rayfield Old Government House in Jos, anticipating the resumption of plenary.
The lawmakers had, in a press statement, vowed to return to the hallowed chambers following the nullification of the Court of Appeal ruling that sacked the state governor, Caleb Muftwang, by the Supreme Court.
Police and other security personnel, however, invaded the Government House to prevent the dismissed lawmakers from entering the Assembly Chambers.
The tense situation led to the use of teargas by the police in a bid to disperse the lawmakers and their supporters from the Assembly Complex.
The incident underscores the ongoing political tensions and legal disputes surrounding the composition of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang has declared a 24-hour curfew on Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State due to the deteriorating security conditions in the area.
Spokesperson to the governor, Mr. Gyang Bere, disclosed this in a statement issued following the fracas.
Mr. Bere stated that, in a move to prevent breakdown of law and order in the local government, Mutfwang decided on a curfew.
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.
According to Bere, Mutfwang regretted that some persons are sowing seeds of fear throughout the state despite government attempts to curtail terror elements’ activities and restore peace and serenity.
He assured, however, that the curfew will be revisited as soon as the security situation in the affected areas improves. Read more.