High Security Presence And Journalist Exclusion Mark Bauchi Governorship Tribunal Verdict....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Security forces have implemented roadblocks on all routes leading to the Bauchi High Court Complex, the designated location for the 2023 Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. Similar security measures have been enforced on key roads within the Bauchi metropolis, including the primary Yandoka Road, which serves as a major thoroughfare for commuters entering and leaving Bauchi.

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The three-member Tribunal, presided over by Justice PT Kwahar, is set to announce its verdict on the petition brought forth by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Sadiq Baba Abubakar. Abubakar’s petition challenges the re-election of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following the March governorship election in the state.

Security personnel, comprised of police, civil defense, and State Security Service officers, have established multiple checkpoints to regulate vehicular access to the tribunal venue, ensuring heightened security measures.

Meanwhile, anxious journalists seeking entry into the Bauchi State Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal’s High Court Complex were denied access, despite having crossed three previous security checkpoints. They were informed that Mrs. Hafsat Kings, the Tribunal’s Secretary, had issued instructions to prohibit journalists from entering.

The security personnel at the gate presented a list of accredited media organizations authorized to cover the proceedings, including NTA, Channels, and AIT. Despite attempts to persuade them to allow other journalists access, they insisted that only the Tribunal’s Secretary could provide directives regarding entry.

After contacting her, Mrs. Hafsat Kings permitted the NAN Correspondent to enter, leaving other journalists stranded at the gate. Those who could not gain entry later retreated to the Press Center to await further instructions.

Furthermore, fully armed security personnel, comprising the police, NSCDC, army, and other non-uniformed individuals, have blocked the main Ahmadu Bello Way. This bustling road in Bauchi metropolis has been deserted, with traffic redirected to alternative routes until the judgment is delivered.