Olisa Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar
Association (NBA), says there is no provision for an interim government in the
country’s constitution.
The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said “the gravest
possible consequences must be applied” to those allegedly behind the plot.
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday said it
had confirmed a plot “by some key players” to install an interim government and
stop Bola Ahmed Tinubu from being inaugurated as president.
The DSS said the plot includes embarking on violent protests
nationwide to engineer the declaration of a state of emergency as well as
securing frivolous court injunctions to stall the inauguration.
Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday, Agbakoba said
the “secret plans” must be rejected by all Nigerians.
He said parties aggrieved by the presidential election
should approach the courts for possible redress.
“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 set-back and we must all resist,” he said.
“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.”
Agbakoba added that the “contraption referred to as interim
government has no place in our lives and our constitution”.
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