The recent revelation by the Department of State Services (DSS) that some people were planning to force an interim government on Nigeria was shocking, according to popular lawyer Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).
In a statement issued on Thursday, Agbakoba stated that an interim government is contrary to Nigeria’s constitution and must be opposed.
The DSS revealed on Wednesday that it had identified some key individuals plotting to derail the May 29 handover to a new government and force an interim government in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the DSS’s spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the plot by the identified individuals is to disregard the constitution and undermine civil rule, as well as to sponsor mass protests and plunge the country into an avoidable crisis, in order to pave the way for the planned interim government.
In response, Agbakoba stated that an interim government would be a major setback for Nigeria and that anyone involved in such plans should be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
He stated that, regardless of the grievances that some people may have, the 2023 election produced a President-elect, and that development must be respected, while those who disagree can go to court.
The statement reads:
It is shocking to learn from the Department of State Security that secret plans are underway to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and transition, by arrangements of what is described as an interim government. This will be a major setback and we must all resist.
I suggest that the gravest possible consequences must be applied to all who are associated with this treasonable intent. The general elections have held, albeit under the most challenging circumstance. But a president-elect has emerged and we must respect and accept this as fact. At least for now.
All leading Presidential candidates have approached the courts with grounds of complaint concerning what they consider as electoral irregularities. If the presidential candidates have accepted the democratic process by lodging petitions before the courts, then it is very difficult to understand upon what basis anyone considers that an interim government is a viable and legal alternative. We must all reject this nonsense and respect our Constitution, which has no provision for interim arrangements.
As the President-elect is sworn into office on May 29, the Judicial process will ultimately render a decision. As Nigerians, we must turn to the Courts to render a decision on the petitions before them.
The Judicial process will certainly carry a huge responsibility in the process of democratic consolidation. The notion of the contraption referred to as interim government, has no place in our lives and our constitution. WE MUST ALL SAY NO!