April 18, 2024

Interim Government  is Unconstitutional, We must Reject this Nonsense- Agbakoba, SAN

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN has condemned calls for interim National Government saying it is unconstitutional and strange to our laws, while he urged Nigerians to reject this “nonsense.”

Dr. Agbakoba stated this position in a press release on Thursday, that 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 set-back 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” Dr. Agbakoba emphasised.

Recall that the Department of State Services (DSS) had 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.


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