From Suleiman Abubakar
The Nasarawa State Government has called on residents to view the Supreme Court judgment affirming the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule as an unprecedented opportunity for sustainable unity, peace, and development.
Dr. Kassim Muhammed Kassim, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, made the statement following an attempt to cause public disturbance by some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party after the Supreme Court verdict.
He emphasized that the Supreme Court judgment has put to rest any further litigation on the governorship election in the state, urging the opposition PDP to accept the outcome in good faith and rally around Governor Abdullahi to move the state forward.
"Governance is all about the people. The essence of seeking power is to serve the people; anything short of that is counterproductive. It is needless to take to the streets and burn tires on the highway to protest the verdict of the highest court of the land because it does not favor you. Nasarawa State is bigger than any individual. We should think of the consequences of our actions in the interest of the state and generations yet unborn," Kassim said.
Dr. Kassim noted that the tumultuous crowds that converged at different points from Karu local government area to Lafia, the state capital, to receive Governor Abdullahi Sule on his return from Abuja after the Supreme Court judgment on Friday were a clear indication that the vast majority of the people are with him.
The Special Adviser urged the media to see themselves as partners in the development of the state and avoid sensational reportage by blowing situations out of proportion, capable of inciting the people against the government.
"Journalists should adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession. Ensure that you verify your source thoroughly before publication. Spreading fake news does not do any good to anybody; rather, it can escalate issues," he added.
Dr. Kassim commended the security agencies, led by the state Commissioner of Police CP Umar Shehu Nadada, for responding swiftly to restore normalcy, especially on the Lafia - Jos road.
A correspondent from Daily Breakers who witnessed the protest reports that no lives were lost, contrary to social media reports alleging that two women were shot to death during the protest.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment led by Justice Kudirat Kekereke-Okun, dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP Governorship candidate in the March 18, 2023, election and affirmed Alhaji Abdullahi Sule of the APC as duly elected.
