Governor Caleb Mutfwang has described the judgment of the Court of Appeal that nullified his election as a temporary setback.

The governor said this in a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, issued on Sunday.

The appellate court on Sunday set aside the judgment of the governorship election tribunal that upheld the election of Mr Mutfwang as governor.

It declared Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the governorship election.

The governor noted that the judgment would not deter his plans of repositioning the state toward steady growth and development.

Mr Mutfwang expressed strong optimism that his mandate would be restored, adding that his legal team would immediately file an appeal at the Supreme Court.

“I want to assure the people of Plateau that the mandate they overwhelmingly gave me will be restored; I have instructed my legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court,” Mr Mutfwang explained. “I hereby admonish citizens of the state and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm, for as long as God remains on the throne, the mandate of the people will not be tampered with.”

The governor added, “I want to also reiterate my commitment to the rule of law and assure you all that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have unwavering faith in the judiciary and the Constitution of Nigeria.”

The governor appealed to the public to be law-abiding, adding that the judgment is a temporary setback.

“I want to strongly appeal to our supporters, as well as citizens of the state, to maintain law and order as Plateau will be victorious,” Mr Mutfwang said. “I reassure you all of my commitment to continually serve the state with dedication and integrity.”

(NAN)