Tribunal verdict: Motorists, passengers stuck on Abuja roads as security checks cause gridlock

Ahead of the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal today, motorists and passengers are stuck on major roads in Abuja due to gridlock caused by heightened checks by security agencies.

According to report, the gridlock was recorded on all the major roads that led into the Abuja metropolis.

The roads affected include the Nyanya-Mararaba, Kubwa, Dutse, Lugbe and Apo expressways.

As part of a security beef-up occasioned by the tribunal’s judgement, the police, army and other agencies mounted checkpoints along major roads in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Wednesday morning.

The security agents subjected vehicles to ‘stop and search’ protocols, slowing traffic and causing gridlock on the major roads.

As of the time of writing this report, hundreds of vehicles heading into Abuja metropolis are stuck in slow-moving traffic.

The motorists and their passengers include workers and businessmen who are going to their places of work and others who are going about their personal engagements.

It is expected that the gridlock will last the whole day, as the security agencies have beefed up security to forestall the breakdown of law and order as a result of the judgement.

Ahead of the judgement of the presidential tribunal, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, had, on Tuesday, September 5, warned against any attempts to disrupt the proceedings.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, issued the warning in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

It statement noted that security has been beefed up across the country because of the judgement.

“In its bid to fortify security architecture and forestall any breakdown of law and order across the country as a result of the forthcoming Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Judgment scheduled to be passed on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its deployment across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the NPF strongly cautions all individuals, including mischief makers and political gladiators, to be cautious in their actions and statements as the Force will not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy.

“It is imperative for all citizens to embrace peace and maintain calm, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.

“The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to its duty of protecting and serving the Nigerian people and is committed to carrying out these roles with professionalism, impartiality, and utmost dedication.

“Together, we can ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all during this period,” the statement read.