Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is currently in power, have denounced efforts by some factions to install an interim national government rather than oath President-elect Asiwaj Bola Tinubu on May 29.
The governors urged the Department of State Services DSS to start an investigation into and prosecute individuals responsible for such agitations, claiming that the development was not only treasonous but also intended to stifle Nigeria’s democracy.
The claim was made on Friday in a statement released on behalf of his colleagues by Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum PGF and the governor of Kebbi state.
He said; “The Progressive Governors’ Forum notes the press statement issued by the Department of State Services DSS on the unfortunate, condemnable and treasonable conduct of some undemocratic elements who are agitating for an interim government.
“We condemn such agitations. It is commendable, however, that the Department of State Services exposed the plot, and we call upon them to arrest and prosecute anyone involved.
“It is ironic that after the Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in which all the major parties recorded varying successes and disappointments in different constituencies, and with our country being appreciated around the globe, some self-serving individuals are unfortunately seeking to sabotage our democratic progress”.
The governors noted that after a democratic contest, parties are free to exercise their legal rights of going to court.
“Indeed, it was widely reported that the PDP and LP had chosen to go to the Presidential Election Tribunal to challenge the outcome of the presidential election, which was won by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC.
“Furthermore, in all the 36 states of the Federation, tribunals have also been established to provide opportunity to those who participated in the various elections but otherwise feeling dissatisfied, to challenge the results”, Bagudu added.
The statement urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any undemocratic conduct that is capable of undermining our democracy, noting that Nigeria has done well in promoting democracy both internally and elsewhere in the Africa.
“It is sad that some unpatriotic elements are nursing the evil plot for interim government, which will amount to subverting our national democratic progress.
“It is commendable however, that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Transitional Council issued a statement restating the Federal Government’s commitment towards a successful inauguration of a new President on May 29th, 2023.
“Equally, we appreciate the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the transition as well as the support of all security agencies.
“We therefore call on all citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support Nigeria’s democratic development, which the campaign for interim government is meant to truncate”, the governors added.