By Ayodele Oni
A political analyst has advised the Federal government and Security Agencies to take the issue of an Interim Government being canvassed by some Nigerians serious and treat those behind the idea in line with the Constitution.
Mr Sam Olorunfemi, in reaction to the alarm by the Directorate of State Security, (DSS) that some highly placed politicians were planning to foist an Interim Government on the country in an attempt to scuttle democracy, noted that the issue is beyond ordinary threat.
“The alarm raised by the Department of State Security (DSS) over a plot by some unscrupulous elements to cause an interim government must not be taken with levity or seen as a mere threat by those plotting such action to raise our democracy.
“Security Agencies, under the Defence, must resist any attempt by a group of people or individuals from causing anything that can lead to the interim government in Nigeria.
“The sole responsibility lies in the hands of the security, to ensure that we have a free, fair and peaceful transition of government come May 29 this year, according to the provision of the 1999 Constitution as amended and the Electoral Act, 2022 as amended from the outgoing President to the incoming President.
“It is crystal clear that some people want Nigeria to plummet into crisis before May 29, which will leave us with no option but to call for an interim government which is alien to our Constitution.
“There is no better way to conclude that those who are secretly plotting for an interim government and state of emergency in Nigeria are the enemies of this country; as resilient Nigerians, we vehemently kick against any attempt to take us back to the military junta era.
“The DSS as matter of urgency must immediately uncover those behind this unlawful plot and prosecute them according to the provisions of the laws of the land.
“This is a criminal offence and if anybody or a group of people try to disrupt the inauguration of the President-elect scheduled for May 29 through violence, protest or military interference against our democratic government, such group or individuals must be apprehended and face the wrath of the law.
“President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Defence Staff must protect this democracy from collapsing, and ensure that the plot of these individuals with intents and purposes to abort May 29 to bring an interim government and state of emergency did not work as they are planning.
“The best and constitutional right to take over a system of government in Nigeria is through the ballots or judiciary, and any other way or means to take over the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be vehemently stymied.
“Anybody or political party that did not accept the outcome of the 2023 Presidential election should seek justice through the court as enshrined in our laws and not through an unconstitutional way of an interim government or state of emergency.
“Nigerians would recall that Ernest Shonekan was hastily brought into power on August 27, 1993, after the then Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida announced that he was âstepping asideâ following the annulment of the June 12 presidential election.
The new Interim National Government, however, was short-lived as it was toppled by an overzealous and ambitious former Chief of Army Staff, General Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993, till May 29, 1999, when we returned to democracy under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR
“We have worked vigorously for this democracy, and we can not afford to go back to dark days.
“Rather than calling for an interim government, let us join hands to build our democracy to the enviable pinnacle of our desires.”
