No Provision For An Interim Government In The Constitution — Agbakoba

The SAN stated that even if difficult conditions may have existed during the general elections, a president-elect has still been chosen, and this reality must be accepted.

According to Olisa Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), there is no constitutional framework for an interim administration in Nigeria.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) argued in a statement that those responsible for the scheme to appoint an interim government should face the “gravest conceivable consequences” for their treasonous purpose.

Agbakoba’s remarks came a day after the Directorate of State Services (DSS) warned the country about plans by some political figures to install an interim administration and prevent Bola Ahmed Tinubu from taking office as Nigeria’s president.

Speaking further about the occurrence, the Senior Counsel added that even if the general elections may have taken place in the most difficult conditions, a president-elect has nonetheless been chosen, and this reality, in his opinion, ought to be acknowledged and accepted.

The SAN urged all Nigerians to reject the claimed action, which he described as “nonsense.” He also urged people to obey the Constitution of the country, which “has no provision for interim arrangements.”

In his perspective, it is very difficult to comprehend why anyone thinks that an interim administration is a workable and acceptable alternative if the presidential candidates have embraced the democratic process by filing petitions before the courts.

The complete statement released by Dr. Olisa Agbakoba is shown below.

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It is distressing to read from the Department of State Security that arrangements for what is referred to as an interim administration are being made in order to sabotage Nigeria’s democratic process and transition. We must all fight against this enormous setback, he continued.

“I contend that anybody connected to this treasonous purpose must face the worst punishments imaginable. Even though they were held in the most difficult conditions, the general elections were successful.

Yet the fact that a president-elect has been chosen must be respected and acknowledged. at least right now. All of the major contenders for president have filed complaints with the courts over what they believe to be voting irregularities.

“It is very difficult to comprehend on what premise anyone feels that an interim administration is a workable and lawful alternative if the presidential candidates have embraced the democratic process by filing petitions before the courts. We must collectively oppose this folly and uphold the provisions of our Constitution, which forbid temporary measures.

“The Judicial process will finally come to a conclusion once the President-elect is inaugurated into office on May 29. We Nigerians must rely on the courts to rule on the petitions that are before them. The judicial system will undoubtedly bear a significant amount of responsibility in the process of consolidating democracy.